“It is an encouraging result for the program and the students,” said Natalie Kallio, Learning Communities program co-ordinator. “Learning Communities make students’ transition, both academic and social, less daunting. What really stands out is how student success is directly related to their level of involvement in Learning Communities.”

In the fall of 2009, 333 students registered in 11 Learning Communities. Those students, who were active members in their communities and attended six or more Learning Community meetings, earned grades in first term courses that were 10 per cent higher than non-Learning Community first-year students. While some of this effect is accounted for by student self-selection, membership in Learning Communities appears to positively affect academic achievement.

Each community begins with 30 - 40 first-year students who enrol in the same set of two or three classes and take part in community-specific activities, such as a weekly meeting led by senior student mentors. Learning Communities are offered in the Colleges of Arts and Science, Agriculture and Bioresources, and Kinesiology.

“Because each community is set up to meet degree and program requirements, students find peers with common interests and academic goals to support and positively challenge them. There are many Learning Community options and this brings in a diverse group of students,” said Kallio. “The support offered by peers, mentors, teachers, alumni and other staff or faculty involved in this project makes a huge difference for our students, beyond grades and retention rates.”

Amanda Federink, just finishing her first year in the College of Arts and Science, signed up for a Learning Community after talking to an academic advisor. “I took a year off after high school and my advisor suggested that Learning Communities would be a good way to get into the rhythm of school and university life,” said Federink. “It was so worth it. It helped with study habits, exam writing and even career advice, but also how to relax and manage stress and time.”

For Federink it was more than an academic group. “You meet people that are in the same classes as you. Seeing familiar faces helps school become a comfortable environment,” said Federink. “University is hard work, but I think Learning Communities made it easier for me.”

As a result of this success, the number of communities being offered this fall will increase to 17, with space for up to 660 students, giving first-year students even more options in 2010-11. Registration for the September Learning Communities opened on May 3rd. For more about Learning Communities, visit www.usask.ca/ulc/lc.

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For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:

Kris Foster
University Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: 306-966-1806 or 306-966-5905
Email: kris.foster@usask.ca

Natalie Kallio
Learning Communities Program Co-ordinator
University of Saskatchewan
Phone:  306-966-7771
Email: natalie.kallio@usask.ca