Four students pose together for a photo.
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.

First-Year Student

Transfer/Relocate Student

 

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.
A bobcat surrounded by 3 connecting dots: Learning Community Seminar by College, Clustered Classes by Major and Learning Community Leader.

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

Transfer and Relocate Students

OHIO offers a specialized Learning Community for transfer and OHIO relocate students.
Transfer and Relocating Students
Sign Up

How to Sign-Up for a Learning Community

There are specialized options for first-year students as well as transfer and OHIO relocating students.

Incoming First-Year Students

Incoming first-year students sign up for a learning community during a June 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 6, your schedule will be adjusted and to display the specific classes that make up your Learning Community.

Transfer & OHIO Relocate Students 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. 

There is a limited housing option for students who sign-up to be part of this community.

Housing options for Fall 2023

Bromley Hall 4th floor, suite doubles

Important Housing Updates: As of May 2023, the Transfer Living Community spaces have been filled. You may still sign-up to join the UC 1500 Campus Connections course with your advisor.

 

  • Give: Learning Communities Fund

    Be a part of offering additional opportunities to Bobcats enrolled in Learning Communities by donating to OHIO's Learning Communities Fund.

    Donate to Learning Communities

  • Scholars and Award Winners

    Each year, OHIO's Learning Community Program awards those who offer outstanding support to the program and its students.

    Scholars and Award Winners

  • 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.

    Learning Community Leaders

  • 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.

    Learning Community Instructors

Contact Us

Have questions or need support? Contact the Learning Community Program team at OHIO.

Contact Us

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.