Learning Communities

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The foundation of University College is based on the learning community model and includes themed and collaborative instruction from University College Teaching Fellows. Students are in three courses that are integrated around a theme.
In addition to the courses described below, all Learning Community students will also enroll in ASU 1101.

Let's face it; college takes getting used to: 

  • The campus is huge.

  • The faces are new.

  • The pace is fast.

  • The courses are demanding. 

Learning communities help you: 

  • Build friendships with other students. 

  • Work closely with faculty. 

  • Learn how to connect ideas across different courses. 

  • Broaden your learning experience.

  • Boost your chances of academic succes. 

What is a Learning Community?

A Learning Community is an exciting and creative educational experience in college in which a cohort of students enroll in two or more linked or clustered courses, often around a central theme or special interest. These courses are not an extra requirement, but are required core courses or pre-requisites for a major. The instructors of these courses work together to create activities such as professional networking, fieldtrips, and service learning that take place both inside and outside of the classroom and promote active engagement.

How do students benefit from Learning Communities?

    1. Courses attached to the learning community often work towards the completion of one’s major.

    2. Students within the same community take the same course(s) and can work together.

    3. Students will build academic and personal connections with peers, faculty, and staff at Albany State University.

    4. Students will explore and define personal values and identity within a community.

    5. Students will make new friends, have fun and learn at the same time.

    6. Students will become a part of a supportive community that include mentors, coa

FALL 2024 LEARNING COMMUNITIES

 

U01. Scrub the Ground (Pre-Nursing)

Do you aspire to a career in nursing?  Do you want to learn more about the various career options available to nurses?  This community is perfect for students that desire to pursue a degree in nursing.  You will receive support for the TEAS examination required for admission into the ASU Nursing Program.

NOTE:  There are GPA requirements for admission into this community.

Course: ASU 1101, MATH 1001, BIOL 2411

U02. The Caregiver (Health Professions)

Do you enjoying taking care of others?  Are you interested in health care or another health-related career? If so, this is a quintessential community to be immersed in while learning how to apply a health-related degree to the professional world.

Course: ASU 1101, MATH 1001 with support, BIOL 2411

U03. For the Culture (Education)

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a good teacher that’s also fun?  In this learning community, students will use Hip Hop Based Education to explore the role of culture on the kinds of teaching and learning that exist in the United States and throughout the world.

Course: ASU 1101, ENGL 1101, EDUC 2110

U04. The Next Case (Criminal Justice)

Have you been thinking about a career in the law?  If so, this community will help you become familiar with your legal rights and with the field of criminal justice.  Not only that, you’ll be exposed to the kind of language that informs the legal system in the United States.

Course: ASU 1101, ENGL 1101, CRJU 1101 A-Term, CRJU 1102 B-Term

U05. Summer Success Academy/ Freshman Leadership Academy

This learning community is only open to Summer Success students.

U06. MENtality

Are you a male-identifying student that wants to meet like-minded students on a journey of self-discovery?  If so, MENtality may be for you. This learning community focuses on your identity in a changing world.  Specific attention will be given to strategies to maintain your mental health and develop professional etiquette to secure your success in college and beyond.

Courses: ASU 1101, COMM 1100, SOCI 1101

U07. The Mad Scientist (STEM)

Are you interested in a career in STEM, but unsure about which area to pursue?  This learning community will help you connect real-world experiences to potential career options including, but not limited to, biology, chemistry, computer science, and forensic science.

Courses: ASU 1101, MAH 1111, BIOL 2107

U08. yOUR Reality Check (SOCIAL SCIENCE)

Have you ever thought about the basic units of human societies and politics?  This learning community is designed to help you observe and note the consequences of governmental decisions on community behaviors.

Course: ASU 1101, MATH 1001, ENGL 1101

U09: STANDING ON Business (Business)

Business and entrepreneurship are global enterprises in the 21st century. Students in this community will explore issues such as supply chain logistics, international trade, and eCommerce.

Courses: ASU 1101, ENGL 1101, BUSA 1105

 

U10. THE ART OF LIFE (HUMANITIES)

Since humans have existed, art has been an important part of our lives.  In this learning community examine the critical functions of art in human society.

Courses: ASU 1101, ENGL 1101, ARTS 1100

 

u11. black girl magic

Black women-identifying students are invited to participate in a learning community that focuses on identity in a changing world. Activities will include structured learning experiences and the promotion of healthy academic, social, physical, and psychological integration of female students into college life. Professional etiquette will also be covered in the course. This learning community is open to all majors.

Course: ASU 1101, ENGL 1101, SOCI 1101

 

 u12. for the love of money (entrepreneurs)

Do you have a dream of owning your own business?  Do you already have a start-up and want to be in community with other like-minded people?  The Love of Money community is designed to provide support for budding entrepreneurs.   Rams will develop an entrepreneurial project and present it to their classmates. The project will consist of a business proposal for a product or service you own or plan to own.. This community is open to all majors.

Course: ASU 1101, HIST 1002, MATH w/ Support

 u13. ram ready

Do you have anxiety around reading and/or math classes? Do you need additional support for these subjects? Ram Ready is a student success learning community that assists students in their transition and matriculation at Albany State University. RAMs will take responsibility for their success on campus by attending class, submitting assignments, engaging in campus activities, and building community.

Courses: ASU 1101, ENGL 1101 w/supp, MATH w/supp

 u14. ram first

Are you the first in your family to attend college? If so, this learning community is designed to help. Attention will be given to helping students understand the language, policies, and practices of college-life., and practices of college-life.

Courses: COMM 1110, THEA 1100, and ASU 1101

 

 u15. grooving to a new beat (music)

Do you love music? Are you interested in playing the University band? Did you know we have equipment to help students learn musical production?  As a new RAM, you have to find a new pace and rhythm. The music learning community is for RAMs interested in pursuing a career in music, music education, or the band. 

Courses: ASU 1101, ENGL 1101, MUSC 1100

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