TAMIU Learning Communities Bring First Year Students Closer

During their first year in higher education, some students may feel lost or alone in the new experiences of a university life.

Fortunately, a solution is in place for those who seek higher education at Texas A&M International University.

This Fall, TAMIU will introduce "Learning Communities" into its First Year Experience Program. Through these communities, first-time students will be able to network with other students and receive guidance from their professors and peers.

By implementing Learning Communities, TAMIU is aiming to encourage more student involvement and enthusiasm while helping them develop a closer bond with University faculty and staff.
"Through Learning Communities, TAMIU will be able to relate to its new students on an increased level and help them succeed in the transition from high school to higher education," said Conchita Hickey, executive director of Programs for Academic Support and Enrichment (PASE).

"This approach is imperative since most students are commuters and may not believe that there is a sense of unity within a University that's also a 10-minute drive from home. Through learning communities, students will have courses that are intentionally linked and deal with a common theme," she added.

Under the program, first year students will take a small freshman seminar class together and will then take several more classes together, making it easier for them to meet other students, form study groups, and make interdisciplinary connections between the courses they are taking, Hickey explained.

She noted that Learning Communities also reduce class absences and increase student involvement in University activities such as societies and clubs.

"More importantly, undergraduates can expect higher grade point averages and elevated intellectual development, ultimately staying in college and completing the coursework required to receive their University degrees," Hickey said.

All new students will be assigned to participate in the Learning Communities upon registering for classes at TAMIU. The placement will be based on major and course load, and will take a student's schedule availability into consideration.

"By establishing learning communities, TAMIU is ensuring that everyone can be a part of this new chapter in the University's progress toward a more engaging and vibrant institution," Hickey concluded.

For more information on learning communities and the First Year Experience, please contact Conchita Hickey at 326.2134, email chickey@tamiu.edu, or visit offices located in Dr. Billy F. Cowart Hall, room 206.

Fall Registration for Fall 2007 at TAMIU is currently underway at uonline.tamiu.edu.
Classes start Monday Aug. 27.

For more information on registration, please contact the Office of the University Registrar at registrar@tamiu.edu, call 326-2250 or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library (KL), room

168.
University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. - By Gaby Arguindegui, Summer Marketing Intern.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu