Goals
The Student Pathways and Academic Formation Office is committed to students' success at Norfolk State University. All aspects of our Learning Communities program are designed to assist our students in their development. These four goals serve as a foundation for the Learning Communities:
- Foster a sense of belonging and community
- Engage first-year students in early-stage career exploration, service learning/civic engagement and undergraduate research
- Improve retention for first-years students
- Provide on-going faculty/staff development focused on enhancing the student experience
Learning Communities are specialized groups designed to integrate classroom studies with focused, hands-on academic experiences. The combination of curricular and co-curricular activities inside and outside of the classroom enables students to fully engage in their NSU experience and learn to encounter real world experiences with an interdisciplinary approach.
Students who participate in Learning Communities experience better academic and personal success through events and programs, networking, and much more. We offer several communities designed to focus on shared interest, educational goals, or lifestyle preferences.
Vision
To support Norfolk State University's commitment to student success, the Learning Communities Initiative seeks to enhance our first-year experience by providing all interested students with a collaborative and community-oriented space to grow holistically.
Mission
The mission of the Learning Communities program is to enhance student learning, engagement, and academic success by fostering intentional communities of students connected through shared courses and activities organized around a common academic discipline, career pathway, or theme. Through participation in specialized learning communities, students engage in integrated curricular and co-curricular experiences that enrich their Norfolk State University journey, promote meaningful connections with peers, faculty, and staff, and prepare them to address real-world challenges through interdisciplinary learning and collaboration.
Apply
Learn more about applying to Learning Communities. Complete this form to let us know you're interested.