Students learning on campus at The University of Akron.

Learning Communities

There's strength in numbers. Take classes together and connect in a common experience with the same group of students and succeed.


What is a Learning Community?

Learning Communities (LCs) are groups of 20 to 25 students who take classes together during their first semester focusing on a specific theme, academic major, or interest. These communities help you build deeper connections to other members in the community and have greater access to faculty and the university, which often results in better grades and a richer college experience.

Why join a Learning Community?

  • Support: Ease your transition into college
  • Connection: Build connections and form study groups
  • Experience: Intentionally designed activities and experiences
  • Exploration: Explore common interests with peers

How to join a Learning Community

Learning Communities have limited spots and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Some communities use specific academic criteria to place students in certain course levels or may have a more formal selection process.

  1. Find a LC that interests you.
  2. You can reserve your spot for some LCs prior to meeting with your advisor, just complete this Learning Communities interest form.
  3. Ask your academic advisor about LCs during your New Roo Advising appointment.

Explore Learning Communities

Interested in living on-campus near your community?

See our on-campus living-learning communities and themed housing options. They are groups of 10-25 students who share the same major or interest and live near one another in a residence hall.

Living-learning communities:

  • have a specifically designated academic component or requirement
  • have faculty/staff that are closely working with the community both inside and outside the classroom.
  • have application requirements
  • resident assistants and/or peer mentors assigned to these floors/areas will provide programs for students that are in line with the goals of the community.

Themed housing:

  • students share an academic or special interest in common
  • resident assistants assigned to these floors/areas will provide programs for students that are in line with the theme for the community.

Learn more about living-learning communities and themed housing

Spring 2024 LC Newsletter

For more information contact:

Dan Reichert, M.Ed.
Director, Learning Communities & First Year Seminar
330-972-7323 or dreichert@bj7dian.com 

Learning communities homepage