Exploring an Academic Community

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Print

More

Learning Communities and First-Year Seminars

Learning Communities and First-Year Seminars offer students the opportunity to make new friends and to get to know members of the faculty and staff who are especially interested in first-year students. Students enrolled in Learning Communities and First-Year Seminars are encouraged to form study groups and to learn how to take full advantage of their college experiences. All Learning Communities include a first-year experience class. Some Learning Communities link two or more classes, and some are specifically designed to introduce students to their majors.

Q: Who should enroll in Learning Communities and First-Year Seminars?

A: All new students and transfer students with 17 or fewer college-level credits are expected to enroll in a Learning Community and First-Year Seminar during their first semester.

Because the course is designed for first-year students, only in rare instances is a student permitted to enroll in a Learning Community once they have completed their first semester of enrollment.

Q: What are the advantages of enrolling in a Learning Community and First-Year Seminar?

A: Students work with instructional team members who combine their expertise to help first-year students make a successful transition to higher education.

• The faculty member is the leader of the instructional team and sets the academic goals for the class.
• The student mentor serves as a role model for new students and a peer guide to the college experience.
• The librarian introduces students to the resources offered through the library.
• The academic advisor works with students to begin their short and long-term academic planning and provides important information on academic policies and procedures.
• Students learn to study together, collaborate on projects, and depend on each other for support in the classroom.
• Students are introduced to key information and begin to develop the skills needed to succeed in college.

Themed Learning Communities (TLCs)

Q: What are Themed Learning Communities (TLCs)?

A: Themed Learning Communities (TLCs) are a group of linked courses integrated around a common theme or topic.

Students in each community enroll in the same courses. All new-semester students are encouraged to enroll because TLCs promote a structured first-semester learning environment in which students are able to form support and study groups as well as develop a strong sense of community. All TLCs include a first-year seminar. Student participants have a great opportunity to participate in co-curricular activities.

Q: What are the Advantages of Enrolling in a TLC?

A: Students are able to meet and form a sense of community with others who have similar academic interests.
 
TLCs allow students to enroll in a cluster of courses, which will apply toward their major. If students have not decided on a major, they will complete general education requirements while doing some career exploration.

Students learn to study together, collaborate on projects, and depend on each other for support in the classroom.
 
Students are introduced to the key information and begin to develop the skills needed to succeed in college.

Critical Inquiry (CI)

Critical Inquiry is a course designed to help students learn how to read and understand dense text material within a specific discipline.

Students enrolled in CI sections will learn how to critically evaluate information and ideas, and communicate an understanding of course materials through written and oral processes. In addition, they will become familiar with collegiate reading and writing skills including the ability to annotate, summarize, and paraphrase material within a specific discipline.

Q: Who should enroll in CI?

A: CI is a course that would benefit any student who:

• Needs assistance in developing reading and critical thinking skills.
• Is majoring in the field of the discipline course and needs to ensure an in-depth understanding of the material.
• Is in a competitive major where additional assistance will support the student in earning the highest possible grades.
• Would benefit from structured group “studying” in a small collaborative environment.

Honors Program

The Honors Program at IUPUI offers an academic challenge to students who wish to strengthen or enrich their university education. Honors students may enroll in specific classes or sections specifically for highly motivated and creative students. They may also pursue independent study and research under the guidance of a faculty member. Additional advantages available through honors work include small classes, outstanding faculty, and an opportunity to exchange ideas with other outstanding students. Those who meet the requirements of the program may graduate with an honors degree. For more information, call (317) 274-5941.

University College Bepko Learning Center

The Bepko Learning Center’s programs are based on a philosophy in which highly successful academic students can play an integral role in the academic development of their peers. Collaborative learning, role modeling, peer interaction and peer support are all components of  this process. Mentoring is different from tutoring in that students are not provided with the answers to their questions but are guided in the right direction by their mentor and by collaborative interaction with other students. Through this process, the students learn valuable skills that will be beneficial to them throughout their academic careers.

The Bepko Learning Center provides help to students through four different components:

1. Structured Learning Assistance (SLA)

Structured Learning Assistance is a mandatory one-hour per week directed study and practice session that is attached to a high risk-for-failure gateway course. Students are given content-specific background information to assist them in making connections to the lessons and lectures of the class. SLA is a mechanism for teaching students how to work collaboratively and how to form study teams.

2. Supplemental Instruction (SI)

A Supplemental Instructor is a learning assistant who has received an exceptional grade in a specific course, and is content-competent in that particular subject. SI Mentors assist other students in gaining a better understanding of the course  content, and they help develop learning skills to enhance the students’ academic experience.

SI Mentors demonstrate processes and methodologies (i.e., learning strategies, note-taking skills, listening skills, test anxiety, etc.). The academic mentor is not a tutor, but rather a facilitator who helps students develop the thinking and reasoning skills which characterize intellectual maturity. An SI Mentor is available to undergraduate students as an academic guide, a resource guide, an empathetic listener, and most of all a supportive friend.

3. Resource Center

Resource Mentors serve as empathetic listeners and advocates for IUPUI students and their needs. The Mentors are trained to possess the interviewing skills necessary to make them active, helpful, and non-judgmental listeners. They work one-on-one with individual students, empowering them in their quest to succeed academically and socially. Furthermore, Mentors conduct thorough and on-going follow-up with all students after the initial contact. Mentors provide students with resources such as tutor referrals, helpful handouts, campus  information, laptop rentals and other learning aides. Mentors provide resources to help students determine their individual learning style. Additionally, Mentors refer students to other campus resources such as Academic Advising, The Writing Center, Speaker’s Lab, Campus and Community Life Programs, International Affairs, and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Most importantly, Mentors encourage students to interact with instructors and departmental staff resources.

4. Tutoring Program

The Tutoring Program offers tutor referrals for students in IUPUI classes. If a student is in need of assistance for a particular class, tutoring information is available at the Resource Center, UC 2006. The student will receive contact information about a tutor who can help. The student is then responsible for contacting the tutor and negotiating a fee. The Tutoring Program offers time flexibility and one-on-one assistance.

Another tutoring service offered by the Learning Center is Veteran’s Administration and Vocational Rehabilitation paid assistance. This service is for students who are associated with these offices. The student will be eligible to receive free one-on-one tutoring for a specified number of hours per week and the tutor will be reimbursed by the VA or VR office.

For more information, contact the Learning Center or call (317) 274-1080.