What is a learning community?

A learning community is a group of students who share enrollments in several core courses. These courses include small classes designed for learning community students, as well as larger classes that include other freshmen. The College of Arts and Sciences learning community is both for students who live on campus and for students who commute to campus. Residential lc students live together in the same residence hall. All learning community students work closely with an advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences Advising Center, and have opportunities to develop close-knit friendships and study groups for common courses.

Do I need to declare a major in order to be a member of the College of Arts and Sciences Learning Community?

No. We realize that sometimes freshmen have difficulty deciding upon a particular major before entering the University. The College of Arts & Sciences learning community accepts both entering freshmen who have not yet declared a major, and entering freshmen who have declared a major from most of the available programs in the college.

Are there any requirements for becoming a member of the Arts and Sciences learning community?

The only requirement for enrolling in the Arts and Sciences learning community is that you be a student who has either not yet declared a major, or who has declared a major from the eligible majors within the College of Arts and Sciences. Some majors are not eligible to participate in the Arts and Sciences lc either because the department that they are majoring in has its own departmental learning community, (e.g. English, history, psychology) or because the specific scheduling requirements for particular majors conflict with the lc courses. Information about the departments and majors offered in the College of Arts and Sciences may be found at www.coas.uncc.edu.

Why would I want to be in a learning community?

To help you succeed in college! Participating in a learning community can help ease the transition from high school to college. A learning community can help acclimate you more quickly to college life, and provide unique social and academic opportunities with other students. Studies reveal that students who participate in learning communities are typically more successful in their courses, form more connections with the campus community and are more likely to stay in college!

Is there an additional charge to participate in the Arts and Sciences learning community?

No. There is no additional charge for you to enroll in a learning community, other than the difference in cost between residence halls.

What courses will I be enrolled in?

Students in the College of Arts and Sciences learning community will share enrollment with other learning community students in several courses. For the Fall semester, these courses will be: ENGL 1101 English Composition, MATH 1100 College Algebra (or the math that a student places into after taking the math placement test), and LBST 2101 Western History and Culture or ARSC Freshman Seminar. In consultation with your academic advisor, you will complete your semester schedule by choosing individual classes that fulfill additional General Education requirements. In the Spring semester students will again share enrollment in General Education courses.

How long will I be enrolled in the Arts and Sciences learning community?

The College of Arts and Sciences learning community is a one year program.

If I test out of some of the course requirements of the learning community, will I still be able to participate?

Yes. If you test out of some of the required courses, you may either add another General Education course, or take an elective. Your academic advisor will assist you with this.

What if I have already submitted an application to Residence Life to live in another residence hall?

After you are accepted into the Arts and Sciences learning community, you will automatically be reassigned to Cypress Hall.

What if I want to room with someone who does not want to participate in the Arts and Sciences learning community?

Unfortunately, space limitations prevent us from honoring roommate preferences unless both students will be participating in the same learning community program.

How do I apply for an Arts and Sciences learning community?

Apply online at http://www.lc.uncc.edu/.  Don’t delay!  Space is limited!