How do Learning and Themed Communities support student development?
Learning and Themed 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).
At Nebraska, students in Learning Communities were retained from first to second year at a 1.4% higher rate than then general student population. (Average of 2015-2023 LC cohorts)
Annually, approximately 5-7% of UNL's first-year class is involved in a Learning or Themed Community.
How do Learning Communities work at UNL?
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Learning Communities 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.
What is the difference between a Learning and Themed Community?
Learning Communities are designed for students pursuing specific majors or career interests (biology, journalism, music, pre-health, pre-vet, etc.) while Themed Communities are designed to explore a specific identity or interest area (environmental sustainability, ROTC involvement, etc.). All communities are open to students of any major who are committed to the focus of the community.
Themed Communities feature peer mentor and faculty/staff sponsors, but do not have required academic coursework because Themed Community students often have a wide variety of majors and academic goals.
Students must apply for Learning Communities through a short application process on the Housing Portal after completing their Housing application. Conversely, students may opt in to a Themed Community for immediate acceptance after completing their Housing application.
Creating new Learning or Themed 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 2028-2029 academic year is April 1, 2027. 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.