Non-Residential Learning Communities | Learning Communities Program

Storrs Campus Non-Residential LC Options:

Non-Residential Learning Communities engage cohorts of students who are in the same major, or who share an interest, in one or more courses together.

These unique FYE courses are taught by a professor or advisor from the major, or an expert on the Learning Community topic. They are designed to help students successfully transition to UConn while also providing an overview of the topic of the community. Students will learn about opportunities at UConn relevant to their major and interests, potential career paths associated with their major, and tips on all things related to being a UConn student! Students also meet peers who share their major or interest which provides an opportunity to make new friends and have a network of support during their college years and beyond.

Students do not have to apply to participate in a Non-Residential Learning Community. Some students will be automatically enrolled in the corresponding UNIV 1810 course, while other students can request to enroll in a non-residential Learning Community course when they are registering for classes during New Student Orientation (the summer before they come to UConn).

If you have any questions, or would like to enroll in a Non-Residential Learning Community FYE course and have already met with your Academic Advisor during Orientation, email Sara Dahlen at sara.dahlen@uconn.edu and let her know you are interested in enrolling. The email should include your full name, UConn ID#, and your major.

Allied Health

The Allied Health Learning Community is designed to bring together Allied Health majors. The class provides an introduction to the major and future career opportunities, as well as information on how to navigate UConn and all of its resources. You will also meet other students who share your major and interest in healthcare in your first semester which provides an opportunity for you to support each other as you transition to college life and academics.
Instructors: Amy McKeon, Janet Rochester

Animal Science

Animal Science majors learn about their major and the resources and opportunities available to them at the University of Connecticut. They also benefit from having regular direct contact with their faculty advisor who understands their curriculum and can help direct their activities at UConn and beyond based on their interests. Learning about this major as a cohort places students on a track to be successful, and allows them to support others who share their interests.
Instructor: Dr. Steven Zinn

BOSS LADI

BOSS LADI is a non-residential Learning Community in support of promoting the Black and Latina women experience of pursuing a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) major. Students participate in a course sequence that starts with enrolling in ENGR 3022, a 2-credit course offered in the Fall. Students then enroll in ENGR 3024, a 3-credit course. The courses are designed to build community among the students enrolled and to help students develop skills to be successful throughout their college career and in their future professions.
To Apply: To request more information, or to request to enroll in ENGR 3022, email engr-inclusion@uconn.edu and share why you are interested in the BOSS LADI experience. These courses are open to any student regardless of their race, gender, or other identities.
Instructors: Dr. Stephany Santos, Velda Alfred-Abney

Chemistry

Anticipated offering, Fall 2025! The Chemistry LC First Year Experience (FYE) courses support new students who want to learn all they can about the chemistry major, careers in the field of chemistry, and how to be a successful college student at UConn. The experience also provides an opportunity for students to make friends in their major who will become a part of their future professional network.
Instructors: Dr. Clyde Cady, Caitlin Robertson

Communication

Communication majors come together to participate in activities, assignments, career preparation, and reflection to help students make the most of their study of Communication. Students will have an opportunity to engage with faculty, staff, and alumni who provide interesting perspectives about opportunities available to you in this exciting field.
Instructor: Joel Nebres

English

English majors come together to explore various career options available to students who pursue a liberal arts degree. The first step in the process will be to gain a better understanding of self through personality assessments and developmental theories. Students will then explore how this information relates to various career choices and opportunities. The second part of the course will cover different career goals, paths to obtaining those goals, the transferable skills of a liberal arts degree, and how best to present oneself in a competitive job market.
Instructor: Inda Watrous

Exploratory (ACES, Undecided Majors)

The Exploratory Learning Community will focus on providing a sense of community for first-year students enrolled in the Academic Center for Exploratory Students. This full-year experience will encourage students to develop self-awareness by identifying values, strengths, skills, and personality factors that influence decision making. Students will actively explore majors and careers, while learning about the various tools and resources available at UConn and in their broader communities in order to help engage them both inside and outside of the classroom. By the end of the year, students will have developed a sense of self, an appreciation for the joy of exploration, and personalized action plans for further exploration.
Instructor: Jillian Johnston

Kinesiology

The Kinesiology Learning Community is designed to provide first year college students with exposure to the field of exercise science and post-graduate opportunities for students pursuing this field. Students will develop critical thinking skills, increased self-awareness in professional settings, increased professional competency, and a better understanding of future career options and approaches to achieving professional goals.
Instructor: Dr. Stephanie Singe

Nursing

The School of Nursing offers both a Living/Learning Community, called Nursing House, and a non-residential Nursing Learning Community experience (students do not live together in a residence hall, but they take their First Year Experience (FYE) course together. The non-residential Nursing LC is designed to support students’ successful transition to college life and your success as a future professional nurse.
Instructor: Chelsea Cichocki

Nutritional Sciences

The Nutritional Sciences Learning Community is designed to introduce students to the Nutritional Sciences major as well as build community amongst the students and with faculty. Students will reflect on their transition to college through discussions of issues related to living and learning within the university environment.
Instructor: Dr. Catherine Anderson

Physiology & Neurobiology (PNB)

The Physiology & Neurobiology Learning Community will give you an opportunity to explore topics relevant to both incoming first-year students and Physiology & Neurobiology majors. This will include understanding the university’s structure and culture, finding and using university resources, and building skills and strategies for success in college and your future career. In addition, the Learning Community will develop a cohort of Physiology & Neurobiology majors.
Instructor: Susan “Zen” Burasceski

Pre-Journalism

Students will interact with faculty and staff from the Department of Journalism as they obtain an introduction to the profession and to the resources available on campus. Students sharing this major support each other academically and socially. Participation helps students plan the educational and professional experiences that will lead to successful careers in journalism.
Instructor: Julie Bartucca

Psychological Sciences

The Psychological Sciences Learning Community will provide you with the opportunity to explore issues relevant to PsySci majors. It is also designed to help PsySci majors consider various career options. This non-residential learning community for Psychological Sciences majors will be two semesters long. Over the course of your first semester you will investigate your college experiences holistically, which will allow you the ability to make informed decisions, paving the way for a richer, fuller college career as a Psychological Sciences major. The second semester will focus on gaining a better understanding of self through assessments. You will also explore how this information relates to various types of employment through career research. In addition, transferable skills of a liberal arts degree, and how to best present oneself in a competitive job market will also be explored.
Instructor: Chelsea Zabel