FAQ Table of Contents
- What is a Learning Community?
- What is the difference between Living-Learning Communities and Learning Communities?
- How do I join a Learning Community?
- How do I choose a Learning Community?
- What if the LC or LLC that I am interested in is full?
- How will I know which community I am enrolled in?
- Are there Spring courses for the LCs and LLCs?
- Can I enroll in a different section of a Learning Community course?
- What if I have AP, IB, dual enrollment, or transfer credit?
- Is there an additional cost to participate?
- Do I need to take additional classes beyond my Learning Community courses?
What is a Learning Community?
A Learning Community is more than a set of classes; it's a shared first-year experience. Students in Learning Communities take courses connected by a common theme, area of study, or interest while building relationships with peers, faculty, and Learning Communities Peer Mentors.
Through coursework, activities, and engagement opportunities, Learning Communities help students build community, explore their interests, and connect with the people and resources that support success at CSU Channel Islands.
What is the difference between Living-Learning Communities and Learning Communities?
All Learning Communities (LCs) include linked courses and shared academic and engagement experiences.
Some Learning Communities also offer a Living-Learning Community (LLC) option. Students in an LLC have the opportunity to live in campus housing alongside other students in the same community. Living on campus is not required to participate in a Learning Community, and commuter students may participate in both LCs and LLCs.
How do I join a Learning Community?
All incoming first-year students complete the survey in Slate. In the survey, you will review Learning Communities recommended for you and rank your preferences.
Because space in some communities is limited, students are encouraged to complete the survey as early as possible. If you do not complete the survey, you will be placed in a Learning Community based on your major and available space.
How do I choose a Learning Community?
Start by reading the descriptions of the Learning Communities recommended to you in Joining the Pod. These recommendations are based on your major and academic pathway.
When ranking your preferences, consider the themes that interest you most. Some communities align closely with specific majors, while others allow you to explore broader interests and/or career pathways.
All recommended Learning Communities support progress toward your degree and provide opportunities to connect with peers, faculty, and campus resources, so there is no wrong choice.
What if the LC or LLC that I am interested in is full?
Because some Learning Communities have limited space, we encourage students to complete the Joining the Pod survey as early as possible and thoughtfully rank all recommended options.
If your first-choice community is unavailable, we'll do our best to place you in another highly ranked preference. While communities differ in theme and course offerings, all Learning Communities are designed to support your academic success, sense of belonging, and progress toward graduation.
How will I know which community I am enrolled in?
You will receive information about your Learning Community placement before your Academic Advising and Course Registration session in July. Learning Community courses will be added to your schedule before you register for additional courses.
Are there Spring courses for the LCs and LLCs?
Yes, Learning Communities stretch across the academic year. Each Learning Community will have at least one spring course.
Can I enroll in a different section of a Learning Community course?
Learning Community courses are linked together and designed to be taken as a set. If you add, drop, or change one of your Learning Community courses, the enrollment system will prompt you to make the corresponding change to the other linked course(s).
What if I have AP, IB, dual enrollment, or transfer credit?
Some Learning Communities include courses that may already be satisfied through AP, IB, dual enrollment, or transfer credit. Information you provide through Joining the Pod helps identify Learning Communities that fit your academic needs and remaining graduation requirements.
Is there an additional cost to participate?
No. There is no additional cost to participate in a Learning Community.
Do I need to take additional classes beyond my Learning Community courses?
Yes. Learning Community courses are only part of your schedule. During your registration session, you will enroll in additional courses needed to meet your academic goals.