Learning Community leaders help Bobcats transition to college life

Ohio University started its academic-focused Learning Community program back in 1999 and it has been very successful in helping first-year students become comfortable on campus.

This program helps new students get connected and supports them during their transition from home and high school to Ohio University and Athens. A Learning Community is a group of students who take a common set of courses together or share a common experience around their academics. This process helps first-year students build relationships with others on campus during their first few months of college.

"Being a Learning Community leader this year is one of my favorite experiences I’ve had in college so far. Being able to create meaningful relationships and aid in the success for first-year students helps create a sense of home and what it means to be a Bobcat,” said Leah Kelsey, a third-year student majoring in Child and Family Studies. “I am honored to be able to lead the way and create a path for my students to have the college experience of their dreams. It means the absolute world to me.”

The Learning Community programming takes place during fall semester. The Learning Community leaders (LCLs) show students around campus, facilitate events and activities to help first-year students get to know each other, and guide them through challenges they may face during their first semester. First-year students are placed in Learning Communities based on their major and will have multiple classes together during the fall semester.

"Leah is a great example for first-year students. She truly cares about the first-year experience and has demonstrated commitment to her students,” graduate assistant Brittany Kincaid said. “Leah hosts study sessions for her LC that coordinate with upcoming exams. She is responsive to her students who regularly reach out to her with questions. Leah is often the first to give insight and advice to other LCLs in our success team meetings. She gives event ideas and seems to always be up to date on what events OHIO has to offer. I can tell that Leah enjoys working with and helping others. I am glad to have her a part of my team."

The first-year students are not the only ones learning new things in this program – the LCLs are also gaining leadership skills. Leading a group of 20 or more first-year students can be a challenge, which is why having strong leadership skills is pivotal in this program. Director of Learning Community Programs Barbara Remsburg has focused LCL training around leadership.

“In order for this program to be successful it comes down to the training of LCLs,” Remsburg said. “It is crucial to help them develop leadership skills so that the first-year students get the most out of program. We work hard so that the LCL’s can learn a lot from this experience.”

Considering that over 98% of first-year students are in a Learning Community, this program has helped ensure a strong start and a good foundation for many students at Ohio University. Extensive training and selecting the right LCLs have helped to ensure the success of Learning Community Programs.

“When talking with incoming students at Admissions events the top two concerns we hear are, ‘How will I meet people?’ and ‘How will I know my way around campus?’” Remsburg said. “Learning Community programs address both of those concerns and help students start off their college careers successfully.”

Applications are being accepted for Learning Community leader positions until Feb. 14, 2022.