Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a Learning Community (LC)?
A. A learning community (LC) is a small group of students who share similar interests and take certain courses together. If you decide to join a UTC’s learning community, you will take two courses with those in your community; one course will be based on the topics course you choose and the other an English 121, a freshman composition course.
Q. What are the advantages of participating in a LC?
A. Participating in a LC will give you the opportunity to be apart of something interesting, exciting, and unique during your first year at UTC. You will have the opportunity not only to participate in a learning community based on a topic of your choosing but also to participate in a special series of social, cultural, and educational programs. The purpose of these programs is both to introduce you to the diverse opportunities that UTC and the Chattanooga area offer and to help you get to know other community members, faculty, and staff.
Q. Why should I indicate more than my #1 choice for a LC on the application form?
A. Each course will have a maximum enrollment of 18-20 students. You should at least indicate your top three choices in case your top choice becomes filled to capacity. If there is a LC you are not interested in, make sure you select the “Not Interested” choice for that LC.
Q. Will the two courses that are part of the Learning Community be the only classes I take during the fall semester?
A. No. English 121 and your LC course will only make up part of your schedule. Typically students take who want to be “full-time” will take anywhere between 12-15 credit hours. This means you will need to register three or four additional classes.
Q. How will I register for my classes?
A. You will register for your ENGL 121 and the topics course when you come to orientation. When you indicate your preference online we will reserve a space for you in the LC into which you’re accepted.
Q. What if I am required to take ENGL 106? Can I still participate in the Learning Community?
A. No. If you have placed in ENGL 106 then you will be unable to take ENGL 121, which is a required part of the LC experience.
Q. Is there a certain orientation in the summer of 2010 I should attend to be apart of the learning community?
A. No. If you are accepted into a learning community, you can register for the courses when you come to any of the orientation sessions if you’ve applied for a LC online.
