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Learning Communities

What is a learning community?

A learning community is a small, dynamic group learning experience connecting two or more general education or major-specific courses in an exploration of a common theme. Learning communities are limited to 22 first-year students per community and can be topic-driven, built around identity, or focused in a particular major. Working together in a cohort with a faculty member students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an experience designed to explore the ways that ideas and knowledge cross traditional class and discipline boundaries. Some learning communities only run during the fall semester while others continue on through the spring.

How do I sign up for a learning community?

First-year students interested in participating in a learning community should follow these steps:

  1. If the learning community is connected to a first year seminar, select the seminar through the normal selection process.  FYE will then email you the confirmation form which must be completed and returned in order to guarantee your spot.
  2. If the learning community does NOT include a first year seminar, complete the attached learning community application and submit to firstyear@salemstate.edu. Since a learning community is limited to 22 students, it is recommended that students submit their form as soon as possible i order to secure a spot. 

Please keep in mind that by completing the application, you are agreeing to registering for all of the classes a part of the desired community. If you have questions, contact the first year experience office at firstyear@salemstate.edu or call 978.542.2618.  The office address is 101A Dining Commons, 352 Lafayette Street, Salem MA, 01970.

Learning communities are not being offered for Fall 2024.

Do You Need More Help?

First Year Experience Office
Walk-In Service: 101A North Campus Dining Commons