Missouri Western State University is one of only 19 colleges/universities in the nation chosen to participate in the National Learning Communities Project. Through this program, Western's Learning Communities will be used as a model program for other colleges/universities to build their own learning communities. Visit the Learning Communities website for more information.

What are Learning Communities?

Learning Communities are comprised of small groups of about 25 freshmen who each that take three courses together and may even live on the same floor of a residence hall. Professors in the classes coordinate the coursework so that students are constantly making connections between the classes. A Learning Community is a way to develop friendships and make connections with other students who have similar interests to you.

Each group may have an upperclass mentor, who is a student who participated in a Learning Community as a freshmen. Mentors can answer your questions and serve as mentors as you get adjusted to college life.

The biggest benefit of being in a Learning Community is that it makes adjusting to college life so much easier and quicker. Learning Community students report greater satisfaction than other freshmen with learning their course material. This is a result of closer interaction with faculty, participating in peer study groups, and applying their learning to real world problems. 

Learning Communities …

• Make the campus feel smaller
• Help you adjust to college life
• Help you meet people and make friends right away
• Develop a strong network of students, peer mentors, and faculty
• Connect your learning in multiple classes

Learning Communities help students learn …

• College survival skills
• Time management
• Goal setting
• Reading strategies
• Effective note taking and essay writing skills
• Exam preparation