What are the Learning Communities Comprised of?

First year students (except those who have been admitted to the Honors College) will be placed in one of two types of Learning Communities -- either an INQUIRY Learning Community or a LINKS Learning Community. The placement is done on the basis  of each student's expressed preference,  but is limited by seat availability.   Each of these Learning Communities  is  designed to introduce students to the rigors of academic and social engagement during the transition to college and each does so in different ways. Please read the information below and indicate which type of learning community you prefer and would  best meet your academic needs. NOTE: Students who have already been accepted  into the Honors College should select the third option listed here.   

INQUIRY Learning Community.  The INQUIRY Learning Communities are comprised of two specific courses --  an INQ 101 course and an English Composition   course in which the same 20-22 students are enrolled. INQ 101: Intellectual and Creative Inquiry is a seminar designed to assist first-year students in the process of becoming academically and socially engaged members of the Southern academic community.  Creative course topics and  subject matter will vary  by instructor but all sections are centered around the development of the critical thinking and academic inquiry skills necessary to succeed at the university. Students will reflect on their own lives, their reasons for attending college and think about their future in relation to their interests and educational goals. The same 20-22 students will also be enrolled in the same section of an  English composition course, which will be at a skill level as determined by the placement exam.

 LINKS Learning Community.   The LINKS Learning Communities are comprised of two or three general education course organized around  a common intellectual theme. LINKS Learning Communities offer courses in a variety of subject areas. For example, a LINKS Learning Community may consist of an Economics Course, a philosophy course and an English Composition course, the level being determined by the results of your English placement exams.  Or, it might consist of a Philosophy course, an Environmental Science course, and an  English Composition course. Each course retains its individual identify but it is "linked" by a common theme to the other courses within the LINKS Learning Community.  Professors organize their courses to emphasize the interrelations between and among the disciplines, to coordinate schedules, and to facilitate the development of common bonds among students. 

HONORS College Learning Community. The HONORS College Learning Community is designed for students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance in high school grades and SAT scores, and who are highly motivated to be successful at the university.  Students must apply to the Honors College for admission into this curriculum..For more details see:  http://www.southernct.edu/honorscollege/

IMPORTANT NEXT STEPS:

When do I state my preference for a Learning Community (LC)?

• When you register for New Student Orientation!Go to http://www.southernct.edu/orientation and register online for New Student Orientation and select your preferences for a LC.
• When you register for New Student Orientation online you will directed to fill out the First-Year Student Pre-Registration Inventory Form. Placement will be determined by both your Inventory answers and course availability.  Every effort will be made to place you in the LC that best fits your preferences.

How do I state my preferences for a Learning Community?

On-line New Student Orientation Reservations will be active on Wednesday, March 4th.