Our Student Leaders preparing for the Fall Semester during their August training.

Learning Community Programs News

Happy fall, Learning Communities alumni! With the launch of Fall 2026, Learning Communities welcomed 4,221 first-year students into our communities! Our office oversaw the facilitation of 235 Learning Community Seminars for our first-year class and three Campus Connection sections for our transfer and relocate students. Fall training prepared 190 instructors and 234 student leaders on best practices to engage and support the Class of 2030. Over 98% of first-year students enrolled in a learning community at Bobcat Student Orientation; this number has been consistent since 2017!

UC 2110: Spring Connections – Your Community Continued

Spring 2026, in collaboration with the Alumni Association, we piloted our UC 2110 Spring Connections course. UC 2110 grew out of student interest and aimed to strengthen relationships with peers, faculty, and alumni within students' academic college. 82 students enrolled across our 11 Spring Communities! Students had the opportunity to learn more about majors and careers within their academic college from both instructors and alumni who joined for in-person presentations. Interested in volunteering for the Spring 2027 Term? Complete the interest survey here!

Fall 2025 Learning Community Award Winners

At the end of the Fall Semester, our office opens submissions for Learning Community Students to nominate Instructors and Student Leaders for awards. We have facilitated these nominations since 2014. Awards are announced at our Learning Communities Award Ceremony in mid-February. The reintroduction of our Alumni Newsletter provides a new opportunity to highlight those who have gone above and beyond in the classroom for our students. This year, we are excited to highlight the award winners from Fall 2025 and a brief message from them!

Instructors of the Year

Lina Elshrief
Learning Community: Journalism E

How has your involvement in Learning Communities impacted your experience as an Instructor?

My involvement in Learning Communities gave me a window into the other side of my students' lives. Seeing them navigate struggles I had never considered, such as adjusting to dorm life, showed me how critical it is to be a supportive instructor. Now, in every class I teach, I see my students as more than their grades. I actively encourage them to communicate with me and share any concerns, so I can support them in whatever way I can.

What is one thing that you value the most about Learning Communities?

The thing I value most about Learning Communities is the safe space it creates for students to communicate, share their thoughts and concerns, and form friendships with ease. Starting a new life in a new place is tough, and Learning Communities help make that transition smoother.

What kind of connections, growth, or opportunities have you seen Learning Communities create for students?

I saw Learning Communities create two critical opportunities for students: forming new friendships and learning about campus resources. It's easy to spot groups of friends in upper-level courses who first connected through a Learning Community class. Within that class, students also learn about study abroad opportunities and how to use career services to find jobs, often through guest speakers. Additionally, interacting with international instructors helps students learn about new cultures from day one.

How has your involvement in Learning Communities impacted your experience as an Instructor?

As member of OIT, I don’t often have the opportunity to engage directly with students. So Fall 2025 was actually my very first experience as an instructor. Every week I learned a little more about what did and didn’t work for the class (which directly correlates to focusing on the user experience or using “design thinking” in the technology world). It was fascinating to apply concepts we use in IT and product development to improve my approach each week.

Sarah Riddlebarger
Learning Community: University College –
Exploring J

What is one thing that you value the most about Learning Communities?

The direct connection with students. The mission of the university is personally important to me. I grew up in southeastern Ohio and know first-hand the impact education has on lives (and the impact OHIO has as an employer and cultural center in the region). Being an instructor is a much more direct connection to that mission than I typically am able to have.

What kind of connections, growth, or opportunities have you seen Learning Communities create for students?

Last year, the class really connected with each other. Seeing friendships develop from week to week and watching how they supported each other and cheered each other on made me realize how critical these first experiences at OHIO are.

Suraiya Padiyath Abdulla
Learning Community: Biological Sciences M

How has your involvement in Learning Communities impacted your experience as an Instructor?

Learning Communities challenge me to adapt my teaching each year to meet the changing perspectives, goals, and needs of students. This year, for example, my students entered with significant AP and College Credit Plus experience, allowing us to focus more on advanced coursework resources and career opportunities. I enjoy tailoring my teaching approach each year based on the need of each group.

What is one thing that you value the most about Learning Communities?

I value meeting enthusiastic students who come to Ohio University with dreams for their future. I strive to help them pursue those dreams while creating an environment where they feel comfortable asking for help or exploring a different academic or career path when their interests evolve.

What kind of connections, growth, or opportunities have you seen Learning Communities create for students?

Learning Communities (LC) create meaningful connections between new students, peers, their academic department, and upper-class LC leader. Students often feel more comfortable turning to their peers with questions, while instructor provide additional support and guidance. I especially value the lasting friendships and sense of community students develop through this course.

Learning Community Leaders of the Year

Jack Hayes
Major: Biological Sciences Pre-Physical Therapy

Describe what Learning Communities mean to you and why they matter to student success. Feel free to share a specific impact, memorable experience, or lesson you've gained through your involvement.

To me, learning communities are a foundational program for the first-year students for their academic and personal lives here at Ohio University. I love seeing my students grow across the semester as well as seeing them engage with their fellow classmates.

To me, Learning Communities are about creating a supportive environment where students can feel connected, welcomed, and confident as they begin their college experience. Learning communities provide students with opportunities to build friendships, make meaningful connections, and become acquainted with the resources and experiences available on campus.

Mia Knowlton
Major: Biological Sciences

One of the most rewarding parts of being involved as an LCL is seeing the positive impact I have made on students. My involvement has taught me that student success is more than just academics; it is feeling like you belong and have people you can rely on. Being a Learning community leader has given me the opportunity to help create that sense of belonging, and it is something that I value and hope to continue to foster for my students.

Support the Learning Community Fund

Please consider supporting the Learning Community Fund to keep these experiences going for future Bobcats.

$25 will support a student learning from one of the local business leaders over dinner
$100 will support one student going to a museum in Columbus, with transportation
$2,000 will support a whole class going on a trip to Columbus

Support the Learning Community Fund

Update Your Information

We want to stay in contact, we ask that you update your email address with Advancement. We will not fill up your inbox, you can expect two newsletters a year.

Please click here to update your email address.