Current Learning Communities
STRONG Learning Community — APEX
The foundation of the STRONG Learning Community is based on the relevant research and scholarship on high-achieving African-American college males. This Learning Community will maximize participant learning through the examination of the complex academic, social and cultural issues involved in earning the baccalaureate degree, from an African-American male point of view. The STRONG LC is open to all Wayne State University students who have interests in this fascinating subject.
Charles Green, Coordinator
(313) 577-7539
aa5280@wayne.edu
TRIO Math — APEX
This LC is open to those students admitted to TRIO Student Support Services. This LC begins in summer 2009 and is linked to classes which will help students succeed at the university. This LC will meet in the evening as part of the study sessions related to the classes in which the students are enrolled. It is primarily linked to MAT 0993 (Beginning Algebra) and its main goal is passage of the math proficiency examination. Open to any student admitted to the TRIO Student Support Services Program and who tests into MAT 0993.
Chris Matsos, Coordinator
(313) 577-8351
cmatsos@wayne.edu
Comerica Scholars — Academic Success Center
This LC helps students excel in academics, leadership, and service learning. During the first year, students enroll in HON 4990 (Comerica Success Seminar), PS 1010 (American Government, A1) and COM 1010 (Oral Communications; Basic Speech, OC). Students receive academic support and enrichment along with several services targeted for their success. Open to any Detroit Compact Scholar, Wade McCree Scholar, or students who received scholarships from University Preparatory Academy.
Lisa Dillon
(313) 577-3224
dillon@wayne.edu
Division of Community Education (DCE) Learning Communities — APEX
These LCs will enhance the first-year experience of newly admitted DCE students and focus on the six areas critical to student success: study habits; communication skills; student awareness of university guidelines and policies; racial, gender and ethnic tolerance; feelings of isolation; and responsibility for one’s actions. Students will choose a LC by both interest and location. Open to any freshman admitted to the DCE program.
Dawn Dolly, Coordinator
(313) 577-4590
ad6134@wayne.edu
Instructional Technology (IT) On Tap — College of Education
This is a LC for graduate students in the Instructional Technology program in the College of Education. Participants will enroll in IT 7100 (Introductory Graduate Seminar) and IT 9110 (Advanced Research Seminar) for the fall and winter semesters respectively. Open to all doctoral students in the IT program.
James L. Moseley, Coordinator
(313) 577-7948
moseley@wayne.edu
Michael Barbour
(313) 577-8349
mkbarbour@gmail.com
Kinesiology, Level 1 — College of Education
This is a LC for students who plan to major in Kinesiology (KIN). Students take two KIN courses in the fall and winter semesters. The four KIN courses are KIN 1991 (Professional Perspectives in PE), KIN 2010 (Psycho-Physiological Foundations of Physical Activity and Health), KIN 3400 (Lifespan Growth and Development) and KIN 3540 (Cultural Foundations of Kinesiology). Open to any freshman or sophomore student who is majoring in Kinesiology.
John Wirth, Coordinator
(313) 993-7972
aa1637@wayne.edu
Learning Community for Professional Preparation in Kinesiology — College of Education
The Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) is a requirement for teacher certification in Michigan. This LC is for students who want to major in Physical Education. It is linked to KIN 4440 (Teaching Method in Elementary PE 1) and KIN 3550 (Motor Learning in Control) for the fall semester and KIN 4450 (Teaching Method in Elementary PE II) and KIN 4460 (Teaching Method in Secondary PE) for the winter semester. Open to any student who wants to major in Physical Education and has not yet successfully completed the MTTC.
Bo Shen, Coordinator
(313) 577-5828
boshen@wayne.edu
Pre-Morris Hood Scholar — College of Education
This LC is open to students admitted to the College of Education who are members of an underrepresented population within the teaching profession. Emphasis will be placed on successful completion of Math Competency, the State Basic Skills Test, and other Level 2 admission requirements so that students will be able to enter the Professional Sequence within the College. Open to any Level 1 College of Education Student identified within an underrepresented population.
Ebony D. Green - Coordinator
(313) 577-1601
egreen@wayne.edu
Success Track — College of Education and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Students can participate in a number of academic and social events which are designed to help them establish a high level of achievement as they move toward the professional sequence of their program. A number of resources will be highlighted including focus groups, peer mentors and social outlets. Open to all Level 1 students enrolled in the College of Education, including freshman and transfer students.
Jahquan Hawkins, Coordinator
(313) 577-8342
ac3169@wayne.edu
Engineering Bridge — College of Engineering
This LC is open to Engineering Bridge students who want to learn about the five main engineering departments. Academic support, peer mentoring, social activities, academic skills and team building activities are integral to this endeavor. Students enroll in BE 1050 and BE 1001 in the fall semester and BE 1060 and BE 1002 in the winter semester. Open to any student admitted to the Engineering Bridge Program and the College of Engineering.
Tawfik (Tom) B. Khalil, Coordinator
(313) 577-3853
tkhalil@eng.wayne.edu
LSAMP (Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation) — College of Engineering
This LC is part of a partnership between WSU, Western Michigan University, Michigan State University and The University of Michigan. The mission is to increase the number of students from urban areas graduating with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) baccalaureate degrees. This LC begins in the summer and students enter the Engineering Pre-First Year (EPFY) program, an intense four-week academic program. Open to any incoming freshman who wants to major in a STEM field.
Michelle Reaves, Coordinator
(313) 577-4029
mreaves@eng.wayne.edu
School of Business LC — School of Business
This LC consists of all incoming freshmen who declare a Business major. Through their involvement in this LC, students will effectively learn about academic expectations, demonstrate a knowledge of business culture and practices, learn to apply critical thinking skills to relevant situations, and learn about their urban environment through community service.
Margaret Smoller, Coordinator
(313) 577-6036
m.smoller@wayne.edu
Pre-Med Connect LC — University Advising
This LC will connect pre-med students to the university, connection to the Office of University Advising, introduce pre-med students to the rigors of pre-med coursework, and help students begin their professional and personal developmental process involved in becoming a successful applicant for medical school. Students in this LC will examine and explore academic majors, attend workshops for success in the sciences, and they will become members of the American Medical Student Association. The LC will host social activities, academic workshops, and scheduled meetings with peer mentors.
Kate Bernas, Coordinator
(313) 577-8212
c.bernas@wayne.edu
Second Year Pharmacy LC — Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
This LC will focus on students who have successfully completed the First Professional year of the Pharmacy Program at WSU. Students enrolled in PPR4120 and PPR4230 will be members of this LC, and will participate in indigent care clinics, shadow pharmacy students in their fourth professional year, participate in professional activities, and provide community service. An orientation workshop will be offered and will focus on developing and advancing skills required for academic success and to accomplish the program mission. This program will include socializing activities with peer mentors, activities to enhance study skills, and practical problem solving.
Lynette Moser, Coordinator
(313) 577-6336
Lynette.mosre@wayne.edu
Psychology Experimental Labs LC — College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology
This LC will immerse students into a high-quality learning environment that integrates course content with social interactions in order to promote a sense of common purpose and community. The Department of Psychology offers three experimental lab courses; psychology majors are required to take at least one of these labs. The purpose of these lab courses is to provide students with hands-on experience in research methods and design, data collection and analysis, writing properly formatted APA reports and developing computer and technological skills needed to succeed in the field of psychology. Students in this LC will participate in writing workshops, work with peer mentors for help with understanding course concepts and to conduct statistical analyses, participate in monthly social events geared toward broadening students’ exposure to the Department of Psychology, and take part in community service activities focused on introducing psychology to local elementary and secondary school students.
Margo Bowman, Coordinator
(313) 577-2827
mobowman@wayne.edu
Slavic Student LC — College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, German and Slavic Studies
Participation in this LC will be based on commitment to the study of Slavic languages, GPA, and availability for out-of-classroom activities. Students in this LC will participate in a capstone course for Slavic majors or minors that will assist them in individually exploring areas of Slavic culture. Students will prepare presentations about their chosen topic for broader audiences within the community. This LC will organize regular meetings with students and faculty, participation at local cultural events, and will develop locations for regular student interaction. Students in this LC will also organize events popularizing Slavic cultures in the residence halls(such as a Polish, Russian or Bosnian Day, with enhanced cafeteria menu, and dinner entertainment consisting of a performance by a folk group and dancing lessons)
Laura Kline, Coordinator
(313) 577-2666
af7585@wayne.edu
Veterans Scholars LC - University Advising
This LC will provide the academic and social support necessary for veterans to enjoy a higher caliber learning experience at WSU. This LC will provide a college orientation and transition course, and upper division and graduate veteran student peer mentors. This LC will also partner with the Veteran’s Alumni and WSU Veterans Student Organization to provide social and academic activities. This LC will host workshops on campus and at the extension centers and will also go out into the community hosting workshops at Selfridge National Air Base, local VFW halls and the VA hospital. The Learning Community will provide academic and social support programming and is also designed to meet the needs of our veterans who are making the transition from military to college life. In the Learning Community, veterans will have the opportunity to participate in a Learning-to-Learn course, which will further enhance their academic skills and prepare them for success at Wayne State, participate in social programs, and also participate in community service in and around the Detroit area.
Matt McClain, Coordinator
(313) 577-9180
ag9201@wayne.edu
CBS Scholars - College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Center for Chicano-Boricua Studies
This two-year integrated program of student services, advocacy, community outreach and research—which centralizes many of the functions that would otherwise be spread out across the campus—is unique. It is designed to facilitate the transition between high school and college. Open to any freshman who is interested in learning about the Hispanic culture.
Ethriam Cash Brammer, Coordinator
(313) 577-4378
ethriam@wayne.edu
Political Science LC - College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Department of Political Science
Learning Outcomes
- Improved skill in conceiving and executing the defense of a thesis in a paper or designing and completing a research project
- Promote interaction between students interested in the law and provide them with opportunities outside the classroom to learn more about law school and the practice of law
- Out of class activities center on exposing students to practitioners and law students and others who can acquaint students interested in legal profession with its options and realities
- Help identify and recruit those brought in to clue students in to the realities and options and arrange students meeting with them
James Chalmers
(313) 577-2630
jchalmers@wayne.edu
Freshmen Quests LC — College of Education, Department of Campus Recreation
The Freshmen Quest (FQ) Learning Community is designed to assist students of the six KIN 2560: Freshmen Quest classes in their transition to Wayne State University. Students will have the opportunity to engage fellow students, faculty, staff, and mentors in academic issues pertinent to their crucial freshmen transition year. Each student will be asked to meet with their peer mentor; these meetings will be used to discuss a variety of issues as well as form a relationship with the student; offer an opportunity to discuss upcoming seminars, workshops, and social activities organized by the peer mentors, and most importantly, the personal meetings will provide freshmen with a listening mentor that is eager to help freshmen with whatever issue they are facing. Lastly, students will utilize clustered courses to join other students in the learning community. This will allow students of the learning community to form study groups and friendships within the learning community through a shared class. Several on-campus events will be offered for free to students of the learning communities. This will give freshmen a unique opportunity to experience WSU activities that they otherwise may not have done.
Chris Nolan, Coordinator
(313) 993-4378
cnolan@wayne.edu
Pre-Social Work LC — School of Social Work
This LC will offer pre-Social Work majors enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences intensive tutorial and peer mentoring services through the School of Social Work to successfully complete the university’s Math Competency requirement. This LC will serve as a support system (connecting the students with their academic advisor), offer academic support services, and host monthly motivational group meetings. Students in this LC will also participate in weekly group study sessions with peer mentors.
Janet Joiner, Coordinator
(313) 577-4409
ac2027@wayne.edu
Teacher Education for Doctoral Students — College of Education
This LC will develop a supportive, caring community that fosters collaborations, and will students will develop the skills necessary to be a successful student in a doctoral program. This LC is open to all students admitted to any doctoral program in the Division of Teacher Education.
Karen Feathers, Coordinator
(313) 577-1802
k.feathers@wayne.edu
Honors — Honors College
This is the start of your Honors experience with the focus on community and the urbann experience. This LC will create a supportive environment for Honors students to achieve their full potential academically, emotionally and socially. Students enroll in Honors 1000 (City I) and Honors 2000 (City II), which will be linked to either HON COM and HON HIST or HON BIO and HON HIST. Open to any freshman student admitted to the Honors College.
Craig Phelps, Coordinator
(313) 577-9872
af3438@wayne.edu
Introduction to Education I (TED 2250) — College of Education
This LC is designed for career exploration and to provide information on foundations, roles and best practices in education. Current co-registration and other interest and demographic factors will be used to develop communities of learners within the course and there will be opportunities to model mentors and peer support among the enrolled students. Open to any freshman directly admitted to the College of Education and who wants to be a teacher.
Janet Andrews, Coordinator
(313) 577-1601
ac2590@wayne.edu
Becoming a Professional Educator II (TED 2251) — College of Education
This LC is a continuation of the “Introduction to Education I” LC. The course (TED 2251) explores foundations of education, examines the challenges and realities of teaching, studies ethical and moral issues and introduces social justice in teaching. Open to any student who has completed TED 2250 and wants to be a teacher.
Janet Andrews, Coordinator
(313) 577-1601
ac2590@wayne.edu
Motown and The Global Community — College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, English Department
This LC combines ENG 1020 (Introduction to College Writing BC in fall 09) with English 3010 (Intermediate Composition in winter 10) on the theme of “Motown, The World and the Arts.” Students will experience the Detroit urban approach and study the music, literature, art and history of Detroit in the fall semester and continue in winter 2010 with a world approach to Motown through the Arts. This includes an optional study abroad experience in Liverpool England during Spring Break 2010 in the second term of this LC. The study abroad option will allow students to get their required foreign culture credit by going on this trip. Plus, there are university grants and other funding options available for WSU students studying abroad. Open to any student who wants to enroll in the designated sections of ENG 1020 for fall 2009.
M.L. Liebler, Coordinator
(313) 577-7713
ac1522@wayne.edu
The Math Corps College Community@WSU — College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Department of Mathematics
Members of the Math Corps work with Detroit Public School students in grades seven through twelve to improve their math skills and provide these students with career and life-time opportunities which heretofore have been absent. Math Corps immerses students in a real community of peers and allows them to fulfill a service commitment to the community and the University. Open to any student; but to be a part of this LC, a WSU student needs to apply directly to the Math Corps program.
Wytrice Harris, Coordinator
(313) 577-2504
wytrice@wayne.edu
Student Nurses Achieving Academic Success (SNAAPS) — School of Nursing
This LC provides academic support and peer mentoring for two challenging professional nursing courses (Pathophysiology and Pharmacology) in the fall semester and the clinical courses in the winter semester. Open to any newly admitted BSN student in the College of Nursing.
Felicia Grace, Coordinator
(313) 577-7985
fgrace@wayne.edu
Emerging Scholars Program (ESP) — College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Department of Mathematics
This LC is a special honors-level calculus and pre-calculus program designed to support students who want and/or need to excel in Mathematics and who are willing to do the hard work that is required for such success. It is available to students in MAT 1800, MAT 2010 and MAT 2020.
Kristin Richardson, Coordinator
(313) 577-3303
ag4514@wayne.edu
Chinese Language and Culture — College of Liberal Arts and Science, Department of Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures and Cultures, Confucius Institute, Honors College
This LC will provide an opportunity for non-Chinese students who would like to learn the Chinese language and culture. At the same time, Chinese students (especially those seeking teaching certification in Chinese) will have an opportunity to tutor and teach Chinese to members in the learning community, and thereby hone their teaching skills. Open to Asian Studies majors and minors, students preparing to study abroad in China, students who have returned from study-abroad programs in China and others who demonstrate a strong interest in Chinese language and culture.
John Brender, Coordinator
(313) 577-3035
brenderj@wayne.edu
Journalism Institute for Media Diversity (WSU/JIM) — College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts
The Journalism Institute for Media Diversity (WSU/JIM) is a professional honors program. These select students share a commitment to careers in journalism. They will be enrolled in a process that requires them to work as a group in the demanding and competitive career field. JIM students are dedicated to enriching America’s newsrooms by adding their diverse voices to print, broadcast and web-based journalism outlets, as well as to corporate America’s communication departments. Open to Honors freshmen who want to major in Journalism.
Alicia Nails, Coordinator
(313) 577-6304
anails@wayne.edu
Urban Scholars/Leaders — Honors College
The Urban Scholars/Leaders Scholarship program (USL) is an established 4–6 year scholarship, funded in part by the Howard Baker Foundation, which is designed to recognize and promote leaders and scholars from the city of Detroit. The program was created in 2006 by Honors to develop, train and retain future Detroit leaders through various coordinated academic and social support systems. By nurturing scholarship and leadership and providing additional social support, great things become possible. Open to any freshman who is a Detroit resident and who has a high school grade-point average of at least 2.75 and an ACT score of at least 17.
Monita Mungo, Coordinator
(313) 577-9216
momungo@wayne.edu
Introduction to US Culture and Classroom - Office of International Students and Scholars
This LC will positively assist international students to successfully transition and adjust to the US culture and classroom. We will have regularly scheduled meetings, social activities, and interactive and learner-centered workshops. There will be a diverse group of guest speakers, including but not limited to their peers, faculty and others. Additionally students will work closely with Academic Advisors and the schools/colleges to connect with faculty, staff and the Cultural Diversity Council though group programming, seminars, social activities and mentoring.
Linda Seatts, Coordinator
(313) 577-3422
l.seatts@wayne.edu
Teacher Education Learning Communities - College of Education
Our learning communities can help support and clarify your goal of becoming a teacher and increase your awareness of the resources available at WSU and the College of Education. They also provide peer-mentoring support that will help you in your academic journey. To join us, register for one of the following courses:
Teacher Education Learning Community I: TED 2250: Ethical Issues in Schools & Society
An examination of the ethical issues surrounding social justice in schools and society through the exploration of the historical overview of schools and political and social trends.
Teacher Education Learning Community II: TED 2251: Becoming a Professional Educator
An introduction to educational foundations and examination of the challenges and realities of teaching. Development of critical reflection skills through introduction of lesson plan and case study models.
The Effective Urban Educator: Reflective, Innovative, and Committed to Diversity
Janet Andrews—Coordinator
(313) 577-1601
ac2590@wayne.edu
First Year Theatre Learning Community - College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts
This LC will help Theatre students forge a bond with each other and their faculty, learn the “ropes” of the department, and tackle academic, personal and social challenges. All first year Theatre students are required to take four core classes. The interconnection between the core classes will be explored through group discussion and journal reflection. One focus of the fall community will be seeing a tour performance of the London Globe Theatre Company in Ann Arbor, and then doing a case study of the production.
Mary Pratt Cooney—Coordinator
(313) 577-0789
marycooney@wayne.edu