What is a Learning Community?

A Learning Community is a group of students who share a major, academic interest, or common goal and take some of their classes together. Learning Community students are supported by a peer mentor, called a Learning Community Coordinator (LCC), who helps them navigate campus, connect with resources, get involved in activities and events, and build relationships with others in the Learning Community.

Learning Communities provide an excellent opportunity to make friends and succeed both academically and socially throughout your college experience.

What Will I Do in a Learning Community?

As a member of a Learning Community, you will be introduced to campus resources and participate in events designed specifically for your community, including:

• Academic success workshops and events
• Opportunities to better understand Minnesota State Mankato 
• Faculty engagement activities such as study sessions, dinners, etc.
• Social events that strengthen connections within your community
• Career exploration and professional development experiences related to your major

Sharing these experiences helps you build a strong support system that contributes to a successful year at Minnesota State Mankato.

How Does a Learning Community Support My Success?

Learning Communities support your academic success by:

• Enrolling you in courses with other students in your community (Transfer Learning Communities may not include a shared course)
• Providing a peer mentor who plans activities, study sessions, and opportunities for connection
• Offering pre-registration in approved courses
• Giving first-year students the opportunity to live among peers who share similar academic goals

Learning Communities also support your personal success by helping you navigate transitions, whether that means adjusting to college life, changing majors, or exploring new opportunities. Through your Learning Community, you'll be encouraged to get involved, connect with others, and take advantage of the many experiences available at Minnesota State Mankato.

Most Learning Community students take some of their classes together, creating a built-in network of peers who share similar academic interests and goals. This provides an excellent opportunity to build friendships, form study groups, and support one another throughout the college experience.

Each Learning Community has its own Learning Community Coordinator (LCC), a peer mentor dedicated to supporting both the academic success and overall college experience of students in the community. LCCs help students set academic goals, organize study groups, connect with campus resources, and plan events such as service projects, cultural experiences, and social activities that strengthen community connections.

As part of joining a Learning Community, students agree to the be respectful and inclusive, helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all community members. 

Students are expected to actively participate in Learning Community activities and events. Engagement in the community helps students gain the full benefit of the program, build relationships, and develop skills that contribute to their success. Continued participation is important, as a lack of involvement may affect guaranteed registration in Learning Community courses for the spring semester.