What is a Learning Community?
A Learning Community (LC) is a small group of first-year students who meet for one-hour a week with two successful upper year student Peer Mentors. Learning Communities help you to transition to university by meeting new people, getting to know campus resources, and helping you to develop your skills as a student in the university environment. Being in a LC gives you the special opportunity to meet upper year students, alumni, and advisors through a variety of informative, fun, interactive, and helpful LC Hours. You'll also have a chance to build skills, engage with ideas, and learn more about yourself through the various activities your LC will do.
First-Year Learning Communities are course based, meaning students in the LC take a set of common courses with the other students in the LC. These Learning Communities are comprised of first-year students, professors who teach the courses, peer mentors who guide the LC, alumni, your college, and Student Learning Services at the University Library who support you and your fellow students.
What will we do in a LC Hour?
Your Learning Community Hour will be facilitated by two Peer Mentors (successful senior students) who offer their knowledge, experiences, and guidance to help you develop skills to optimize your potential for success. You will be making connections between people and ideas, while challenging yourself to be a better student and strive for your program and career goals.
Some of the meetings will include the following:
- Study strategies and tactics for better learning
- Developing strategies for exam preparation
- Finding resources on campus
Benefits
The benefits of joining a Learning Community are countless. The initial benefit is the help with selecting and registering in six core classes in your first year.
Consistently attending your Learning Community will help you to:
- Connect with students, alumni and professors who share common interests and/or goals – your academic social network!
- Benefit from mentorship and support by successful, senior students (i.e., Peer Mentors) and recent graduates from USask
- Adapt to university expectations and campus life
- Develop the skills to succeed in your new academic environment
Who can sign up?
Students who are starting their first year of university at USask in Edwards School of Business* are eligible to sign up for a Learning Community.
Sign up early – space is limited, and spots fill on a first-come, first-serve basis.
*Learning Communities also exist in the College of Arts & Science, College of Agriculture & Bioresources, and the College of Education, to learn more about those LCs, please head to the websites for those colleges.
FAQ's
Can I drop my LC classes?
You can drop LC courses through PAWS just like any other course after you have access to the registration system (students should be aware of drop deadlines throughout the term).
Can I only take two of the three?
If you do not take all the courses attached to an LC, you will not get the full benefit. Students who drop the LC hour before the start of the term are asked to withdraw from all their LC classes.
Please contact us immediately if you accidentally drop your LC Hour (XTLC 00X) to be registered again.
Ready to Study With Us?
If you would like more information on the Edwards Learning Community, please contact:
Student and Faculty Services Office
Edwards School of Business
University of Saskatchewan
25 Campus Drive
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7N 5A7