Engaged and Diversified: 23 Freshman Learning Communities Move-In with the Class of 2014
The fall 2010 semester started August 30, with the Class of 2014 making its mark as the most diverse class in the history of Virginia Wesleyan.
By Megan Z. Shearin | August 30, 2010
Freshman students trekked across campus on Thursday carrying the essentials of dorm life, including laundry bags, plastic crates, blankets, food and drinks.
The Class of 2014, the most diverse class in history of Virginia Wesleyan, has officially arrived, bringing energy and excitement to a new academic year that begins today.
Forrest Drake, a member of the baseball team from The Plains, Va., said the location of the College is what attracted him to Virginia Wesleyan.
“I’ve always loved the beach and now I’m right by it,” said Blake. “Plus, the campus is nice and wide open.”
Not only is the Class of 2014 diversified, they are also engaged both in and outside the classroom through 23 Freshman Learning Communities. These communities are clusters of roughly 14 students, who see each other in at least one class, share a common interest and live in a residence hall together.
Alli Raymer from Yorktown, Va., was placed in the Creative Self Community, which has grown from one to three clusters in just two years. Inspiring each other to realize creative potential in art, theatre, music, dance and film-making is one goal of this community.
“Being placed in the Creative Self Community is the perfect fit for me,” said Raymer. “I’m interested in pursuing a major in theatre and I was active in drama while in high school.”
Associate Dean for Special Academic Projects Debbie Hicks said these thematic communities help students ease the transition as they progress from high school to college.
“These communities help freshmen form bonds and friendships more easily, find a niche on campus reflecting an academic, pre-professional, or co-curricular interest, and also serve as a support system,” said Hicks. “And, they also get to know faculty and staff outside of their traditional campus roles, which is part of the unique atmosphere at Virginia Wesleyan,” she noted.
Back again for the third year in a row is the American Politics Community, one of eight communities in which students take an additional class beyond the First Year Experience course. Each additional class is related to the theme of the community, fulfills a general studies requirement and also strengthens the learning component of the community.
Freshman students who do not reside on campus have also been integrated into a Learning Community this year, said Hicks. Commuter students have access to the residence halls for activities, study groups and informal gatherings so they can connect with their peers beyond the classroom.
New communities this year include two clusters of Community Service, Going Global for those interested in international issues, Majors Exploration, two clusters of Outdoor Adventure and Student Leadership, Portfolio, two clusters of Wellness and Honors and Scholars, Science/Pre-Professional Men, and Communications and Campus Involvement. Religious Heritage and Faith also returns, along with two clusters of Women in Science.
Another pilot community this year is What Matters… The Student Experience, which pulls together freshmen from various backgrounds and areas of interest around campus. According to Hicks, this community is acting as a sounding board for administrators and a testing ground for new ideas and initiatives.
“These students will meet with campus administrators to share their ideas for ways the College can improve the student experience,” said Hicks. “We’re looking for feedback as to what attracts students to Virginia Wesleyan and what keeps them here.”