Cleveland State University now offers Learning Communities to first-year students.
Learning Communities provide a powerful support system that helps students make a smooth transition from high school to higher education and grow intellectually and socially.
In many ways, Learning Communities create a small college atmosphere within a large campus. They feature interesting courses clustered thematically, coordinated assignments and a variety of complementary learning activities. Faculty integrates assignments and co-curricular events so that learning extends beyond the classroom. This includes trips to museums, historical landmarks and sites of interest in the Cleveland area.
Students participate in small classes as a cohort. This helps students develop positive relationships with faculty and peers as they examine the theme from different disciplinary perspectives. Students from all majors can enroll if the theme is of interest and many, courses also satisfy General Education Requirements.
Because information literacy is important to academic success, an embedded librarian is assigned to every Learning Community to assist with research and other assignments. Peer-mentor coaches are also available to help students organize study groups and skills that promote success.