RISE LEARNING COMMUNITY

A First-Year Learning Community

About

RISE stands for Rhetoric, Identity, Scholarship, and Expression. These four pillars shape the foundation of this interdisciplinary Learning Community and guide students through an engaging exploration of writing, research, identity, and creative expression.

Anchored in English studies, RISE focuses on writing, rhetoric, and Black feminist and womanist traditions. Students examine how Black women’s rhetorical practices across literature, digital media, activism, and everyday life shape identity, leadership, democracy, and social transformation.

While English studies serve as the foundation, RISE intentionally integrates perspectives from History, Philosophy, African American Studies, Fine Arts, and Mass Communications through guest lectures, collaborative projects, interdisciplinary modules, and co-sponsored events that enrich the learning experience.

The Learning Community also emphasizes undergraduate research, archival inquiry, and research conferencing. Students are introduced to foundational research methods, digital research tools, multimodal composition, and scholarly presentation practices while developing their own academic voice and creative expression. Participants may also have opportunities to prepare proposals, create presentations, and participate in undergraduate research showcases at Norfolk State University and regional conferences.

RISE Learning Community Goals

Participants in the RISE Learning Community will:

• Explore writing, rhetoric, and Black feminist and womanist traditions as tools for understanding identity, leadership, and social transformation.
• Develop a strong sense of belonging, self-definition, and culturally sustaining academic engagement.
• Strengthen critical reading, writing, research, and communication skills across multiple forms of expression.
• Engage in undergraduate research, archival inquiry, and scholarly exploration through interdisciplinary learning experiences.
• Develop multimodal and creative projects that integrate academic scholarship with personal and cultural expression.
• Build confidence in presenting research, sharing ideas, and participating in academic and professional discourse.
• Collaborate with faculty, peers, and interdisciplinary partners to deepen understanding of the humanities and social impact.