Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering

A learning community (LC) is a small group of students who take two or more common courses. Some LC students live together, but not in Construction Engineering (ConE); we just take classes together. A learning community is a way to interact with others who have similar academic interests, to learn together, and to enhance your experience at Iowa State.

For the sixth year, U.S. News has included Iowa State's learning communities among its "Programs to Look For" -- outstanding examples of academic programs that are commonly linked to student success. Iowa State is among only 24 colleges and universities recognized by U.S. News for learning communities.  Iowa State's learning community program was ranked in the top 25 in the nation by U.S.News and World Report in 2005.

Benefits of a Learning Community

Fourteen years of learning community research here at Iowa State tells us that students involved in learning communities are more likely to continue their education at Iowa State and are more satisfied with their academic experience.

You'll tackle professional skills early in the college career through the learning community. In the learning community, you'll start

• building your project management skills through six or seven team projects each semester,
• developing heightened critical thinking and problem-solving skills,
• strengthening your teamwork and leadership skills, and
• cultivating you communication skills.

Being in a learning community can help you manage your schedule and time by providing structure and building connections with your classmates, but it shouldn't take away from your free time. Three hours a week on average can be expected (2 hours for when the LC meets and about one hour or less outside of LC per week).

With the guidance of peer mentors, the friendships with other ConE students, and the supportive study atmosphere, it's no wonder students love being in the community.

Peer Mentors

Peer mentors are upper class students who serve as advisors to LC teams. Peer mentors work with LC teams on each of your projects and assignments, guiding you in good decision-making and in learning how to work together. They assist you in organizing your study teams and coach you in time management, productive study habits, and using university resources. They provide a voice of experience and can consult with you individually.

How Does It Work?

You will take these courses with other first-year, ConE students:

First Semester

• Engr 101: Orientation to Engineering (R credit)
• ConE 120: Cornerstone Learning Community (1 credit)
  You will manage several projects with a small budget in independent teams in ConE 120 with guidance from your peer mentor. Projects may include
  • social function
  • job site tour
  • community service
  • case studies
  • presentations
• Engl 250: Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition (if needed) ( 3 credits)
  You will read, write, and make presentations about construction- and engineering-related topics of interest to you. You will be learning more about the industry as you study writing.
• Math 165: Calculus I (if needed) (4 credits)
• Engr 160/CE 160: Engineering Problem Solving with Computer Lab (3 credits)
• Chem 155: Foundations of Chemistry for Engineers  (3 credits) OR Chem 167: General Chemistry for Engineering Students (4 credits)
  
  

Second Semester

• ConE 120: Cornerstone Learning Community (1 credit)
  You will work with a team to manage a new project (types of projects are similar  as in the first semester, however, a different spin – topics discussed are different each semester). 
  
• Engl 250: Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition (if required – 3 credits)
• Math 166: Calculus II (if needed) (4 credits)
• Chem 165: Foundations of Chemistry for Engineers – continuation of Chem 155 (4 credits) OR Chem 167: General Chemistry for Engineering Students (4 credits)
  

For More Information

Contact Kristin Mauro, kmauroiastate.edu for more information.

Refer to ISU Learning Communities website for more information on learning communities in general: www.lc.iastate.edu