Ohio University’s largest incoming freshman class didn’t just increase the number of students the university admitted; it also upped the demand for learning communities.
There are almost 200 learning communities on campus with a combined total of about 3,300 students — approximately 76 percent of first-year students.
It’s a significant leap compared to the 2012-13 school year’s 72 percent of students in a learning community.
“There are still some majors that we are hoping to offer for next year. We want any student who is interested in a learning community to have the ability to be in one,” said Wendy Merb-Brown, director of learning community programs.
There are two different types of learning communities for OU students — learning communities and living-learning communities.
Learning communities are more focused on academic interests and living-learning communities place groups of individuals in residence halls with similar interests and values, such as the gender-neutral housing.
“The buildings (on South Green) are being designed with a focus on floor and building community. As a result, I anticipate these buildings will feature at least some specialized living communities,” said Peter Trentacoste, executive director of Residential Housing.
Some students will oftentimes not agree to a learning community if it means having to live with the students as well, but there aren’t plans in the works to change this model since it has proven successful so far, Merb-Brown said.
Students in the program fill out a satisfaction survey at the end of the first semester. Of about 2,000 responses, the feedback is typically positive.
Accepted OU students will be asked if they want to join a learning community.
The student can then go online and apply. Students will have set classes before they come for Bobcat Student Orientation in the summer.
“It’s helped form study groups for the classes we take together,” said Danielle Valaitis, a freshman studying communication studies. “Some of my best friends were made in this group.”
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