Be a part of offering additional opportunities to Bobcats enrolled in Learning Communities by donating to OHIO's Learning Communities Fund.
Learning Communities
Learning Communities
Your OHIO journey begins in your Learning Community, where you'll not only learn how to make the most of your time at OHIO but begin to immerse yourself into your academic college with other students who share the same passions and interests as you. You'll quickly realize it's more than a one-credit hour course; it’s a gateway to the friendships and experiences that will shape your college experience — and your future.
Already know what Learning Community you would like to join? Select your student type to learn your next steps.
What Is a Learning Community?
As part of a Learning Community, you and the other students in your major-based cohort will take a series of clustered classes, typically a first-year seminar and two general education courses that align with your graduation plan. Outside of the classroom, you'll continue to build relationships, skills and confidence by engaging in academic and social activities with members of your Learning Community.
Designed With Your Success in Mind
We know a well-supported Bobcat means a successful Bobcat, which is why every Learning Community is:
- instructed by a faculty or staff member from your academic college;
- cohort-based, meaning you'll learn alongside other students in your major or others who are exploring a similar major;
- and supported by a Learning Community leader, who is an upperclass student that plans activities and study sessions as part of your Learning Community Seminar course.
Learning Community Outcomes
Each year, students in Learning Communities take a survey about their experience. Students in the fall 2022 cohort shared the positive ways in which they were impacted by their participation in a Learning Community.
Introduction to OHIO and Resources
- 97% agreed the Learning Community course increased their knowledge of resources on campus for getting involved
- 97% agreed the Learning Community course covered issues and/or topics important to new students
- 94% agreed the Learning Community course helped them make a positive transition to the University
Instructor and Leader Support
- 97% agreed their course instructor was enthusiastic about working with new students
- 98% agreed their Learning Community Leader, an upper-class student, encouraged participation in out-of-class activities
- 96% agreed their Learning Community Leader was responsive or very responsive to questions or concerns and easy to connect with
Community with Peers
- 97% agreed that joining a Learning Community helped them meet other OHIO students
- 95% agreed that cohort members encouraged each other to do well in their academics
Explore Communities
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Business
- Scripps College of Communication
- Patton College of Education
- Russ College of Engineering and Technology
- College of Fine Arts
- College of Health Sciences and Professions
- International Studies
- University College
- Special Programs – ROTC: Army and Air Force
Transfer and Relocate Students
OHIO offers a specialized Learning Community for transfer and OHIO relocate students.
How to Sign-Up for a Learning Community
There are specialized options for first-year students as well as transfer and OHIO relocating students.
First-Year Students
Incoming first-year students sign up for a learning community during a June-July 2 Bobcat Student Orientation (BSO) — you do not need to take action before attending BSO.
During the second day of the day-and-a-half BSO program, you'll meet with your advisor to register for classes. You will leave BSO with a full schedule, including the Learning Community Seminar and linked courses.
Please Note:
- Initially, through the beginning of July, the Learning Community classes will be listed on your schedule as LCOM, which is short for Learning Community. Your schedule will display the days and times of the classes that make up your Learning Community but not the specific classes.
- After July 5-8, your schedule will be adjusted and to display the specific classes that make up your Learning Community.
Transfer & OHIO Relocate Students Residential Community and Campus Connections Class
OHIO offers a unique Campus Connections class that centers around being a transfer or an OHIO Relocate student. This is a 7-week course supported by a Peer Leader that focuses on connecting you to the Athens community, the campus resources and the Bobcat student community.
Class only sign-up:
If you are just interested in taking the UC 1500 Campus Connections course but not live in the residential community, please let your advisor know when you register for classes.
Residential sign-up:
Students are able to sign-up to request to live in the Transfer and Relocate Residential Community and agree to register for the class if they accept the housing assignment.
Please alert your advisor that you are required to take the UC 1500 Campus Connections course as you are living in the Transfer community. You will sign-up for the class with your advisor.
There are limited housing options for students who sign-up to be part of this community. It typically fills by mid-May each year.
Housing options for Fall 2023
Bromley Hall(opens in a new window) 4th floor, suite doubles
Adams Hall, 1st floor, triples
Sign-up opened on February 1, 2024.
Please use this link to sign-up for the Transfer & Relocate Student Residential Community, Sign-Up Link
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Scholars and Award Winners
Each year, OHIO's Learning Community Program awards those who offer outstanding support to the program and its students.
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Become a Learning Community Leader
Are you a current OHIO student who is eager to offer support to incoming Bobcats as they transition to life on campus and learn about the opportunities available to them? Consider becoming a Learning Community Leader.
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Become a Learning Community Instructor
Are you an OHIO faculty or staff member who wants to help incoming students transition into life on campus? Consider becoming a Learning Community instructor.
Contact Us
Have questions or need support? Contact the Learning Community Program team at OHIO.
Learning Communities at Ohio University are a collaborative effort between University College, the Office of Admissions, the Office of the Registrar, Institutional Effectiveness & Analytics, the Office of Information Technology, the Division of Student Affairs, Division of Diversity and Inclusion, Alden Library, Women's Center, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the Scripps College of Communication, the Patton College of Education, the Russ College of Engineering and Technology, the College of Fine Arts, and the College of Health Sciences and Professions.