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.

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

Ten 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 five or six 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.

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.

"In the Construction Engineering Cornerstone Learning Community, our students specifically like the interaction with our faculty, the first-hand experience shared by peer mentors, and the guidance industry leaders offer in preparing them for the career fair," says Rhonda Wiley-Jones, ConE academic advisor and learning community coordinator.

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, 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 120x: Cornerstone Learning Community (1 credit)
  You will manage several projects with a small budget in independent teams in ConE 120x with guidance from your peer mentor. Projects may include
  • social function
  • job site tour
  • community service
  • case studies
  • presentations
• English 104: Composition I (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)

Second Semester

• ConE 110: Orientation to Construction Engineering (1 credit)
• ConE 120x: Cornerstone Learning Community (1 credit)
  You will work with a team to manage a new project (types of projects are the same as in the first semester).
• English 105: Composition II (if needed) (3 credits)
• Math 166: Calculus II (if needed) (4 credits)

For More Information

Contact Kristin Mauro, kmauroiastate.edu for more information.