Learning Communities at Mason
A Learning Community (LC) is a group of students intentionally living together on campus who have a shared interest in an academic, identity, or interest theme. We provide LC options for all these aspects: academic, identity, and interest.
Learning Communities offer an inclusive environment that promotes critical thinking skills and increased enjoyment of living on campus. Research shows that LCs offer one-on-one interactions with faculty and staff members and exciting opportunities for academic and extracurricular activities!
All communities are led by a team of supportive students and staff committed to providing members with a space for personal growth and academic excellence. Living in an LC gives students the chance to live amongst their peers and find their place within the Mason community.
When living in an LC, students will join like-minded peers to explore their passion areas on a deeper level, connect to vital campus resources, and grow both in and out of the classroom. Students in the same learning communities live together in a residence hall, which makes it easier to make connections within the Mason community.
Three Types of Learning Communities (LCs)
Academic LC
Academic Learning Communities (LCs) are directly tied to the colleges and schools at Mason. Each Academic LC represents a partnership between Housing & Residence Life and an academic unit to create a collaborative and holistic environment for the students engaging in that community. Students in each Academic LC take a required connected course related to their LC and academic program.
Interest LC
Interest Learning Communities focus on more interdisciplinary areas of interest such as: Well-being, Peace & Conflict, and Creativity, Design & Expression. These communities have a connection to another office, college, or school. While there are no required courses in the Interest LCs, students have the option to sign up for a course that is related to their learning community if available.
Identity LC
Identity Learning Communities (LCs) are centered around specific identities within our Mason community. Whether students identify with a particular identity, are allies in space, or are simply interested in learning more about identity development, they will find a supportive community in this LC.
Benefits of Joining a Learning Community
- A supportive, educational, and exciting experience with a community of peers
- A team of dedicated staff that ensures a positive and supportive student experience
- Fun, engaging activities that focus on the interest of student's specific community
- Opportunities to connect with other students
- Mental Health resources from CAPS foster the well-being of the diverse Mason community through psychological, outreach, and consultation services.
- Access to academic resources and support from tutors, campus resources, and faculty
- Interaction with like-minded individuals so that students can engage their passions and learn outside of the classroom
- Mentoring from upper-level students who have experience in the LC topic
- Events and programs tailored to the LC by content experts connected to that LC
