Allied Health | Animal Science | Communication | English |

 Exploratory (ACES, Undecided Majors) | Kinesiology | Nutritional Sciences 

Non-Residential Learning Communities provide students who share a major or interest an opportunity to enroll in a themed 1-credit First Year Experience (FYE) course in their first semester as a cohort. These unique FYE courses are taught by a professor or advisor from the major, or an expert in 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/or interests, potential career paths associated with their major, as well as tips for success. Students also meet peers who share their major or interest which provides a network of support during their college years and beyond.

Students do not apply to participate in a Non-Residential Learning Community. Some majors are automatically enrolled in the corresponding UNIV 1810 course, while other majors encourage students to enroll during New Student Orientation. If you are interested in enrolling in a Non-Residential Learning Community FYE course and have already met with your Academic Advisor during Orientation, please email Sara Dahlen at sara.dahlen@uconn.edu for assistance with enrollment.

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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.
Director: 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.
Director: Dr. Steven Zinn

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.
Director: 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.
Director: 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.
Directors: Micah Heumann, 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.
Director: Dr. Stephanie Singe

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.
Director: Dr. Molika Chea

Physiology & Neurobiology 

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.
Director: 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.
Director: Lisa Caruso

Pre-Teaching 

Students in the Pre-Teaching Learning Community will be introduced to the profession through exploring the role and function of teachers in today’s schools as well as discussing topics such as cognitive processes, problem-solving, social change, and motivation.
Director: Dr. Jason Courtmanche

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.
Director: Jessica Groves