How do I decide which learning community to join?
What if my major is undecided?
How is being in a learning community different from regular college life?
Is there an extra cost associated with a Learning Community?
How much time will being in a Learning Community take? 
Can I participate in more than one Learning Community?
Can I also be in the Honors Program?
What benefits will a Learning Community provide to my son or daughter?
What are the academic benefits to being in a learning community?
Can’t find a Learning Community that fits?

How do I decide which learning community to join?
Learning Communities are formed around a specific course, major, or area of interest. Check out the descriptions of the Learning Communities listed on this site and find one that sounds interesting to you. Contact the coordinator of that Learning Community to discuss how your goals will fit with the Learning Community—and then talk to the coordinator about signing up.

What if my major is undecided?
We have several Learning Communities that are based on more general areas of interest, like the Comerica Scholars or Motown. Take a look at the program descriptions and contact the Learning Community coordinator to discuss more specific information. It is recommended that students join a Learning Community related to their area of interest or major—to help foster a connection with like-minded students and faculty.

How is being in a learning community different from regular college life?
Being a part of a Learning Community provides a greater chance for connection for your academic success. You’ll be attending classes and Learning Communtiy events with like-minded students and faculty—you’ll be studying with them and participating in social and community service events with them. Learning Communities provide support—both academically and personally—study sessions, tutoring, peer mentors, and making new friends are all a part of the Learning Community experience.

Is there any extra cost associated with being in a learning community?
No, there are no extra fees or costs to belong to a Learning Community—we have worked hard to provide school/college/institutional support to manage these programs—all to help you succeed.

How much time will being in a learning community take?
Learning Communities incorporate many additional activities: study groups, social events, service learning opportunities—all of which take time. It may seem like a lot of “extra” time, but hopefully you would have been spending time studying and getting to know your peers once you came to college. Being a part of a Learning Community means being involved and dedicated—to your studies and with your community.

Can I participate in more than one learning community?
We don’t recommend it; to be truly active in a Learning Community, you need to have dedication and commitment. Adjusting to life in college can be difficult for some students, and being a part of a Learning Community can help with that; however, we wouldn’t want you to over extend yourself in the first year by trying to do too much within multiple communities.

Can I also be in the Honors program?
Yes, in fact, the Honors Program has two Learning Communities of their own. We recommend that you talk to the Learning Community Coordinator; ask questions! There are many people at Wayne State just waiting to help you succeed.

What benefits will a learning community provide my son or daughter?
Learning Community students have the benefit of immediately being a part of a group of like-minded students, faculty and staff. Learning Communities can help make a big university feel smaller, and more manageable. Students in a Learning Community have a group of student to go to classes and events with; they will study together, play together, volunteer together, and in some cases even live together. A Learning Community is a support system, coordinated to help you child succeed at college life. With tools learned from this community, your student will be better prepared for the future—adapting to college and life beyond.

What are the academic benefits to being in a learning community? (What's the research on the learning communities?)
Members of a Learning Community experience learning at a deeper level. Data show that grades go up and students do better at their studies. Learning Community students persist; they are more likely to stay in school and complete their course of study. Data show that Learning Community students experience less of a decline in self esteem and have a greater sense of connection to the university community.

Can’t find a learning community that fits?
New Learning Communities are under development for Fall 2008. Information will be posted as it becomes available.