First-Year Learning Communities are a collaborative effort among faculty, Academic Affairs, and Residence Life to assist first-year students in their academic and social transition at Buffalo State College.
Finding dedicated team members is the first step to starting a successful learning community. “Learning Communities prosper when capable and creative individuals become involved, when ownership of the task is shared, and when the work is seen as benefitting everyone’s interests and needs” (Leigh Smith et al. 2004)
The Call for Proposals for Fall LCs is generally in late October through January.
Those interested in starting a NEW Bengal First-Year Learning Community (BFYLC) or continuing as a Returning Community please complete the attached forms.
The LC program welcomes new and returning faculty to teach in Learning Communities. Since most LCs are for first-semester college students, the need is exceptionally high for faculty who teach General Education courses and other lower-level courses without pre-requisites. We encourage proposals for learning communities by issuing a campus-wide call for proposals through your department or the Daily.
Discuss your course with other faculty to encourage the development of a theme, essential question, or issue. Use your course and theme ideas to network and find additional Learning Community faculty. You may also coordinate your efforts with the Director of Academic Transition Programs, who may be able to help you find additional team members.
Begin the discussion by sharing syllabi and important course topics or projects. The focus of a Learning Community may evolve over several conversations.
