How do Learning Communities support student development?
Learning Communities help students—especially those in their first year at the University—connect with peers and faculty who share common academic interests or educational experiences. The Association of American Colleges and Universities has identified Learning Communities as a high-impact practice for increasing retention and student satisfaction. UNL students in Learning Communities report a higher level of interaction with faculty, spend more time studying or preparing for class, and feel better supported by their peers, compared to students who do not participate in Learning Communities (NSSE 2010 data).
How do Learning Communities work at UNL?
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Learning Communities, a partnership between Academic Affairs and University Housing, integrate students’ academic and social experiences.
Students generally take two to four courses together and participate in co-curricular activities with faculty and staff who help them connect with one another and deepen their academic inquiry. Community-exclusive events range from opportunities for academic and professional development to social interactions and service-learning projects including dinners with UNL faculty and administrators, special access to visiting scholars and speakers, career workshops, and educational/service trips.
Some Learning Communities are designed for students pursuing specific majors or career interests (biology, journalism, music, pre-health, pre-vet, etc.) and some are designed to explore a specific identity or interest area (environmental sustainability, service and leadership, ROTC involvement, First-Gen students, etc.), although all are open to students of any major who share that interest. The University Exploration Learning Community supports students who are undecided about their major or career interests.
Membership in Learning Communities is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students apply to a first-year Learning Community after they've completed their UNL Housing Application.
Overall, the Learning Communities Program at UNL has grown substantially in the past few years. Approximately 10% of the first-year class will be involved in a Learning Community.
Creating new Learning Communities
Each year UNL departments and programs have the opportunity to submit proposals for new Learning Communities. Faculty/Staff members are strongly encouraged to work with the Associate Director for Learning Experiences, Abby Groth, as they prepare proposals.
The deadline to propose a new Learning Community for the 2026-2027 academic year is April 1, 2025. This deadline allows adequate time for us to advertise and recruit students into new communities each year.
Meet the Learning Communities Staff
Propose a New Learning Community
Invest in first-year students and foster a dynamic learning environment by proposing a new Learning Community! This is an opportunity to create a space where interdisciplinary learning thrives, where students can connect with peers who share their interests, and where creativity knows no bounds.