What is an Academic Learning Community?
Academic Learning Communities are directly tied to the colleges and schools at Mason, with every college and school being represented. Each individual Academic Learning Community is a partnership between Housing & Residence Life and an academic unit to create a collaborative and holistic environment for the students engaging in that community.
Each Academic Learning Community has a dedicated team comprised of faculty members, professional staff, and student staff who are invested in the student experience and also share in the passion for the topic area.
List of LCs
College of Engineering and Computing
Fall 2021 introduces the College of Engineering and Computing (formerly the Volgenau School of Engineering) which, over the years, has experienced tremendous growth in areas of Engineering and Computing. As a result we are excited to have a new name that reflects the multifaceted aspects of our college. Students in this Learning Community will explore technology and engineering through enhanced experiences while networking with faculty and staff. This LC is for students in engineering and computing majors that are currently part of the College of Engineering and Computing (formerly the Volgenau School of Engineering).
*Please note that on the application, this LC will be listed as "Volgenau School of Engineering."
Building
Course
- Students will be registered for HIST 100, ECON 103 or UNIV 150 depending on the requirements for their major
Campus Partner
College of Health and Human Services
The College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) LC will assist you with making a smooth transition to the university by providing you with a supportive environment for academic success and a network of other students with an interest in health-related majors and professions. The CHHS LC will help you connect your interests with the broader field of public health, and engage with CHHS faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Additionally, this LC will provide you with opportunities to learn about majors in CHHS, opportunities to gain experience outside of the classroom, and help you develop an interprofessional approach to your studies and future profession.
Building
Course
- GCH 205: Global Health UNIV 100: CHHS
Campus Partner
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Explore the social sciences and humanities to discover how CHSS disciplinary and interdisciplinary degrees can be used to think broadly, creatively, and analytically about a range of issues - from social justice and social media, to ancient art and anime. We will talk with CHSS faculty, alumni and current students, attend events, and even look at CHSS in the news to learn how the toolkits we are assembling through CHSS degrees are helping us ask as well as answer the questions that matter the most–– to society as to you, personally. This class will significantly focus on your own personal, academic, and career choices as you navigate own pathway to success.
Building
Course
- CHSS 101: Intro to CHSS
Campus Partner
College of Science
Engage with an interdisciplinary College of Science community that equips students with the knowledge and resources to pursue cutting-edge research and solve global problems through scientific inquiry. Build upon your scientific understanding, lead with innovation, and discover pathways for success as a Mason Science student.
Building
Course
- COS 120: Introduction to Research
Campus Partner
College of Visual and Performing Arts
Explore innovation and creativity across visual and performing arts disciplines, support each other in creative work, and experience deeper connections between the arts at Mason and in the community.
Building
Course
- Art and Visual Technology Majors - AVT 101: New Majors Colloquium
- Theater Majors - THR 150: Greeks to Restoration
- Dance Majors - DANC 190: First Year Seminar
- Film and Video Studies Majors - FAVS 255: Video Production for Film.
- Computer Game Design Majors - GAME 210: Basic Game Design
- Music Majors - MUSI 300: Recital Attendance
- Other Majors & Undeclared Students - UNIV 150: Arts LC
Campus Partner
Honors College
Build a network of friends in the Honors College to learn and grow with in and out of the classroom. Explore your passions and develop new interests through access to workshops, guest lecturers, group discussions, and more events that will complement your classroom experience and enhance your social experience.
Building
Course
- HNRS 110: Research and Inquiry
Campus Partner
Schar School of Policy and Government
The Schar School’s Democracy Lab is an immersive environment that fosters a razor-sharp understanding of today’s most pressing issues. Learn about different career paths in the realm of politics and public policy and gain the training you need to become a change-maker. The Democracy Lab will broaden your perspective and hone your ability to engage on difficult topics—everything from the civic implications of big data to the growing impact of disinformation. Learn from well-respected public intellectuals and political leaders, and forge personal and professional connections that will last a lifetime.
Building
Course
- GOVT 101: Democratic Theory & Practice
Campus Partner
School of Business
Foster your development of successful business practice through team building, leadership activities, and practice experience with School of Business faculty, staff, and alumni.
Building
Course
- BUS 100: Business and Society
- BUS 103: Develop Professional Skills I: Foundational Elements
Campus Partner
School of Education
Connect with students who aspire to a career in education and foster your personal and professional growth through programming and interactions with CEHD School of Education faculty and staff.
Building
Course
- UNIV 150: School of Education LC
Campus Partner
School of Kinesiology
Engage with peers who share academic goals and interests in kinesiology while fostering your personal and professional growth through programming and interactions with CEHD School of Kinesiology faculty and staff.
Building
Course
- KINE 100: Introduction to Kinesiology
Campus Partner
School of Nursing
The School of Nursing LC will assist you with making a smooth transition to the university by providing you with a supportive environment for academic success and a network of other pre-nursing students. You will learn more about the field of nursing directly from CHHS advisors, current nurses and nursing students. Additionally, this LC will provide you with opportunities to learn about the full scope of healthcare professions which will help you explore other health-related opportunities at Mason and develop an interprofessional approach to nursing.
Building
Course
- UNIV 150: Pre-Nursing LC