University College

First Steps with the University - Placement Testing

As you prepare for First Steps, we would like to call your attention an interesting twist on first-year classes: learning communities.

Learning communities are sets of linked courses, usually exploring a common theme. Instructors in learning communities work together to develop the theme and coordinate their course content. Students enroll in all of the courses linked through the learning community. By linking together students, faculty, and courses, learning communities create more opportunities for enrichment, interaction, and exploration.

The following are some of the learning communities that will be offered in Fall 2009:

• African Americans in U.S. History and Literature explores the ways African Americans have expressed themselves through writing.
• Bronco Men engages male students in higher education by offering a supportive environment and alternative pedagogies that address their specific learning styles
• Bronco Women explores the experiences of women of color to improve their success by integrating social and academic activities, formally and informally.
• Business and Entrepreneurship studies communication, the heart of modern business, in the organization of production as well as the sale of the product.
• The Ethics of Humor explores the definitions of humor, the art of creating humor, and the ethical issues that humor can raise in oral, written, and visual texts.
• Pre-Nursing addresses the advisement issues associated with an intended major in nursing.
• The Science Learning Community brings together students and faculty interested in the natural and mathematical sciences.
• Teacher Education is designed to meet the needs of education majors by creatively combining required core courses.
• The Seekers is for students who have not yet decided on their major.  Students in this community will find out more about themselves and where they might fit into the world of work.

All learning community courses can be used to satisfy Core Curriculum requirements.To find out more about learning communities, visit the Learning Communities website.

All entering first-year students will be placed in a learning community.  If you have a preference, indicate it on the Freshman Questionnaire or ask one of the advisors at First Steps.  They will be happy to help you register or reserve your space.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.