Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Learning Community?

Colleges and universities across the country are looking for innovative ways to promote student learning, student retention, and student success. One of the most successful approaches has been Learning Communities.

Learning Communities are based on the principal that students learn very well from other students, and learning communities give you ample opportunity to do so! Each learning community is centered on a theme and is usually restricted to a limited number of students (20-35). Students enroll in several of the same courses, and in most cases live together in the same residence hall so that interaction can continue outside of the classroom.

Connections with faculty outside the classroom often facilitate student success. A Learning Community permits this type of informal student-faculty interaction. Learning Communities at UW-Whitewater have already demonstrated positive results. Those students enrolled in the 2004-05 Learning Community program returned to UW-Whitewater for the second year of school at a rate of 84.2%, which is a 6.7% better return rate compared to all other first years residents in the same year.

How about the residence hall location and roommate assignments?

The residence hall location for each Learning Community is listed with each description. Students can identify a roommate preference on their housing application (the roommate listed must also complete the housing application prior to assignments being made, and must list you as a roommate preference). There is no obligation for the preferred roommate to be a part of the Learning Community. In fact, several Learning Community participants reside with roommates who are not participants.

Will I be placed in a co-ed hall?

Yes. All Learning Communities are locate in co-ed scattered residence halls.

How do I enroll in a learning community?

Entering first-year UW-Whitewater students interested in enrolling in one of these Learning Communities may do so by completing the registration process available at the following website: http://www.uww.edu/admissions/learningcommunity/signup.php.

The specific courses being offered in each Learning Community and a bit of additional information about the requirements to enroll are also included at this site.

Please note that participants in each community can register for additional classes above and beyond those taken together as a group. Participants will have a chance to talk with an academic adviser during the summer PREVIEW about these choices.

Learning Community space is limited to a specific number of students. So, early registration is encouraged.

If you have questions, please email us at learncommunities@uww.edu.