Frequently Asked Questions about Fresh Connections Learning Communities

How do I decide which community is best for me?

Explore your interests! You do not have to take a community related to your major. You may want to explore the visual arts or brush up on your communication skills. Read the descriptions of the communities under Choose A Community to see which appeal to you. When you meet with your academic advisor discuss your options. He or she can help you make a decision.

What is the difference among the learning communities?

Some communities are tailored to specific majors, for example nursing and business. Each community will be focused around different career paths, interests areas, and social issues designed to appeal to incoming freshmen.

Is being in a learning community different than "regular" college life?

No! A learning community provides some structure in your first semester of college. With a set schedule and cohort of classmates you immediately connect with other students and faculty who are invested in your college success. In some courses your learning community cohort will be a part of a larger lecture course, however, your professors know who is part of the cohort and integrates your community theme into assignments.

Do learning communities last the entire year or can I sign up in another semester?

No. Fresh Connections learning communities are only offered during the Fall semester for first-time, full-time students. 

Can I also be in the Honors program?

Yes! We offer some learning communities for Honors students. Check them out under Choose a Community. Be sure to speak with your academic advisor to be sure to coordinate your plan of study.

What will students in a learning community do?

In a learning community students will study together, collaborate on projects, and explore a common area of interest. Students will participate in a variety of enrichment activities related to their community theme. In the past students have taken a walking tour of the historic Cooper-Young neighborhood, visited Stax studio, and painted a mural on campus.

What classes do students in a learning community take together?

Each learning community has 25 students. The students will take the "packaged" schedule of 3 classes together.

Do I have to take all of the "packaged" courses listed?

Yes. In order to have the full learning community experience, students take all of the "packaged" courses. The professors in the community work together to link syllabi and assignments around the theme to fully engage the student across courses.

All of the communities have a First Year Seminar or an ACAD. What is that?

The First Year Seminar and ACAD courses are designed to tie the community together. Though students will be completing related assignments in the other courses, the Seminar or ACAD is where the theme of the community is brought full circle. The ACAD courses are also designed to provide freshmen with the skills to succeed in college (find out more by visiting the ACAD 1100 website).

What learning communities are available?

Take a look at the Choose a Community page. Here you will find the most up to date information on what communities are available in the Fall and what communities are still available once registration opens.

How do you sign up for a learning community?

Check out the How to Register page. Discuss Fresh Connections with your advisor and determine the community that is right for you. Permits need to be obtained in order to register for Fresh Connections. Your advisor will help you with that process!

Still have questions about Fresh Connections? Contact us at freshconnex@memphis.edu.