Freshman Learning Communities

Learning communities are groups that learn together both in and outside the classroom.

Students in learning communities report that they feel more comfortable asking questions, participating in class discussions, and seeking help from their professors than in their other classes - and that they would recommend a learning community to other first-year students!

"I think this learning community was a great way to learn. These were my two favorite classes and professors."

You can join a course-based community or the ABOVE community.

Course-based Learning Communities

Course-based learning communities pair two courses around a theme. What you study in one course is also incorporated into the second course. Activities are planned that complement the coursework: field trips, service, films, plays and other outings.

ABOVE Learning Community

ABOVE is an outdoor recreation and leadership development program. It combines outdoor experiences with an Outdoor class that focuses on a diverse introduction to outdoor experiences.

You must apply to ABOVE. If you are selected, you'll come to a pre-semester program in August that includes camping, sea kayaking, and stand-UP paddleboard on the eastern shore of Virginia. You can also be enrolled in Introduction to Adventure Activities (HPE 108, 1 credit hour).

More information about ABOVE and the application process can be found at www.lynchburg.edu/above.