Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Learning Community?

Learning Communities are groups of 25 students who share a common interest in either an academic college or interdisciplinary topic. Learning Community groups take several classes together including a First Year Seminar course (an elective course that focuses on transitioning to college and study skills) or introduction to your major course, and one to three core curriculum courses, such as English Composition or World History. Additional organized activities may be included which relate to the Learning Community topic. View presentation.

Why should I consider joining a Learning Community?

Why not? A Learning Community is the easiest way to learn about all the resources and policies you need to know at Auburn and get involved on campus. Through your participation in a Learning Community you not only make friends but also learn about other opportunities to get involved in your college and at Auburn.

What are the benefits to joining a Learning Community?

There are many benefits to participating in a Learning Community. One is that you will already be pre-registered in classes when you get to Camp War Eagle! You immediately meet other students with common interests who will be facing similar academic demands. Also, you get to know faculty members and academic advisors in your college, allowing you to make connections within your college and explore careers in your field as a freshman. If you aren't sure what you want to major in, a Learning Community can help you with that too! All of these benefits can lead to a successful transition to college.

How do I apply?

The Learning Community application will be available online in early February. Email LC@auburn.edu to sign up for our priority notification list and be notified the day before it goes live.

What else is required of Learning Community students?

Being in a Learning Community is what you make it. The only requirement is that you take the courses designated for your Learning Community. Whether or not you take advantage of opportunities to meet other students, form study groups, participate in programs, attend special events, and get to know a faculty member is up to you.

How do I complete my housing application if I'm planning on living with my Learning Community?

Complete your housing application as if you weren't going to live with your Learning Community. When you fill out your Learning Community application in early February, you will designate to us which housing area you would like to live in. That request will override the preferences you listed on your housing application pending space is available. Remember living with your learning community is optional. You do not have to live in a learning community hall to be in a learning community. The deadline to apply to live with your learning community is April 1, 2013.

I already have a roommate, can I still live with my Learning Community?

Yes, but you both must be guaranteed housing through Housing and Residence Life and you both must be in a learning community in order to be placed in a learning community residence hall. You do NOT have to be in the SAME learning community to be placed together. The deadline to apply to live with your learning community is April 1, 2013.

I'm coming from out-of-state, how hard is it to participate in a Learning Community?

Learning Communities are a wonderful opportunity for out-of-state students! It is the easiest way to meet other students right away.

Are the Learning Community classes ones that I am required to take with my major anyway?

The First Year Seminar course is a one-hour elective class that focuses on transitioning to college and study skills. It is a University elective but, you are required to take the class in order to participate in the Learning Community. The additional two to three classes taken with the Learning Community can be applied to the University Core Curriculum requirements, which must be completed in order to graduate.

What is the difference between taking the classes with the Learning Community and taking general sections of the same classes?

One difference is that you will already be registered for these classes when you come to Camp War Eagle. We register you for them ourselves and then you will register for any additional courses which your Academic Advisor will advise you on during Camp War Eagle. The other difference is that you will be in these classes with a group of your peers that you know. This helps to make your large lecture classes feel not quite as big. The classes are the same for the most part, but some professors will cater discussion topics around a Learning Community's theme. Otherwise, the course requirements are the same.

What if I have AP/IB/Dual Enrollment credit for a class listed with the learning community I am interested in?

Students must remain in the First Year Seminar and at least ONE of the other classes with the learning community. If you have AP credit for one of the classes with your learning community, you can simply drop that class and register for a replacement. If you have credit for all the classes with your learning community, we encourage you to keep searching to find a learning community better suited for you. All students with incoming credit are encouraged to have a conversation with your Academic Advisor at Camp War Eagle.