Students
Achieve success!
Of course you want to be successful at Wayne State. But what's the best way to do that? One approach is to join a Learning Community.
Participating in a Learning Community (LC) is a way you can make large classes seem smaller, get to know other Wayne State students who have similar academic interests, and engage with a faculty and peer mentor early on in your academic career. Not only will your LC engage in academic-related topics of discussion, you will also learn more about campus, Detroit, and the world by participating in activities outside of regularly scheduled sessions. In an LC, you will develop leadership and study skills that will prepare you for the duration of your career at Wayne State. All of these things are important in contributing to your overall success and satisfaction in college - and we have the research to prove it.
Join
When you join a Learning Community, you'll be part of an innovative program that integrates courses with the campus experience. With your student peer mentors and faculty advisor, you'll:
- Develop leadership skills through your interaction with your team
- More easily explore your academic interests whether you're sure of your major or are still deciding, you'll have the opportunity within your peer network to explore your options
- Form new friendships, which will give you support in your new environment
To join a Learning Community, please visit the list of current Learning Communities.
FAQ
- How do I decide which learning community to join? Learning Communities are formed around a specific course, major, or area of interest. Check out the descriptions of the Learning Communities listed on this site and find one that sounds interesting to you. Contact the coordinator of that Learning Community to discuss how your goals will fit with the Learning Communityand then talk to the coordinator about signing up.
- What if my major is undecided? We have several Learning Communities that are based on more general areas of interest, like the Comerica Scholars or Motown. Take a look at the program descriptions and contact the Learning Community coordinator to discuss more specific information. It is recommended that students join a Learning Community related to their area of interest or majorto help foster a connection with like-minded students and faculty.
- How is being in a learning community different from regular college life? Being a part of a Learning Community provides a greater chance for connection for your academic success. You'll be attending classes and Learning Communtiy events with like-minded students and facultyyou'll be studying with them and participating in social and community service events with them. Learning Communities provide supportboth academically and personallystudy sessions, tutoring, peer mentors, and making new friends are all a part of the Learning Community experience.
- Is there an extra cost associated with a Learning Community? No, there are no extra fees or costs to belong to a Learning Communitywe have worked hard to provide school/college/institutional support to manage these programsall to help you succeed.
- How much time will being in a Learning Community take? Learning Communities incorporate many additional activities: study groups, social events, service learning opportunitiesall of which take time. It may seem like a lot of "extra" time, but hopefully you would have been spending time studying and getting to know your peers once you came to college. Being a part of a Learning Community means being involved and dedicatedto your studies and with your community.
- Can I participate in more than one Learning Community? We don't recommend it; to be truly active in a Learning Community, you need to have dedication and commitment. Adjusting to life in college can be difficult for some students, and being a part of a Learning Community can help with that; however, we wouldn't want you to over extend yourself in the first year by trying to do too much within multiple communities.
- Can I also be in the Honors Program? Yes, in fact, the Honors Program has two Learning Communities of their own. We recommend that you talk to the Learning Community Coordinator; ask questions! There are many people at Wayne State just waiting to help you succeed.
- What benefits will a Learning Community provide to my son or daughter? Learning Community students have the benefit of immediately being a part of a group of like-minded students, faculty and staff. Learning Communities can help make a big university feel smaller, and more manageable. Students in a Learning Community have a group of student to go to classes and events with; they will study together, play together, volunteer together, and in some cases even live together. A Learning Community is a support system, coordinated to help you child succeed at college life. With tools learned from this community, your student will be better prepared for the futureadapting to college and life beyond.
- What are the academic benefits to being in a learning community? Members of a Learning Community experience learning at a deeper level. Data shows that grades go up and students do better at their studies. Learning Community students persist; they are more likely to stay in school and complete their course of study. Data show that Learning Community students experience less of a decline in self esteem and have a greater sense of connection to the university community.
- Can't find a Learning Community that fits? New Learning Communities are proposed each year! Information on new LCs will be posted as it becomes available. Send the LC Program an email if you have an idea or need help finding a learning community to join.