Frequently Asked Questions
What is a learning community?
They're just what the name suggests — communities of learners — students and faculty — interested
in exploring together a common set of ideas. In terms of course work, a learning community is
a group of two or more thematically-related academic courses. Learning Communities for new
students also contain a section of New Student Seminar and usually a section of Information
Literacy. Course topics and activities are coordinated across the courses allowing you
to develop an understanding of the ways in which multiple disciplines bring their special
tools to bear in speaking about the same topics.
What is New Student Seminar?
NSS is a one-credit orientation course for first-year students.
It will help you with your transition to SAU and college life. Individual
NSS sections vary, but they all include discussion of topics such as time management,
study strategies, personal development and career orientation. The Seminar's instructor
will serve as your mentor for your first semester.
What is Information Literacy?
IL 101 provides an introduction to the many
techniques of information retrieval and information evaluation.
Upon completing this course, you will have the basic tools necessary
for conducting undergraduate level research. Completion of IL 101 is a
General Education requirement for all students.
Who is eligible to join a learning community?
All Ambrose students are eligible to participate in Learning Communities,
including first-year students for whom a large number of Learning Communities
are specially designed.
How do I sign up for a learning community?
Registration for learning communities occurs during orientation events
throughout the summer for a fall semester start date, and during normal
registration for spring semester start dates.
What are some of the benefits of joining a learning community?
Research at Ambrose shows that Learning Community participants at SAU cite
the following advantages most frequently.
- Learn more
- See the connections between courses
- Meet new friends who have similar academic goals
- Study groups: study with students who are taking like courses
- Introduction to university resources
- Especially close faculty mentoring
- Special social activities: attending sporting events, fine arts events, dinners with professors
- Special programs to acquaint students with campus life
- Collaborative learning environment
- Leadership development
What types of courses are offered?
Please refer to this list of Learning Communities for Fall 2006.
To get an idea of the breadth of past Learning Communities, please refer to our lists for Fall 2004, Fall 2003 and Fall 2002.
What is the time commitment involved?
Being in a learning community should not take any more time than you would
expect to spend in any other courses at St. Ambrose. If anything, it will help
you to manage your schedule and build connections with your classmates.
Is there a cost?
Nope. Just your regular course tuition and fees.
Is the program for one or two semesters?
An individual Learning Community lasts for only one semester, but many Learning Community
students elect to enroll in additional Learning Communities in subsequent semesters.
Can I leave a learning community
Of course, but we encourage students to take their commitment to
the program seriously. Should you discover that the program just isn't right for you, contact your mentor.
Is there a deadline to sign up for a learning community
As space permits, you may enroll in a learning community up until the
first week of courses. But remember, the later you join, the more limited your choices.