This fall, the Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences introduced an initiative to help first-year students thrive academically and socially: the Dunlop School of Biological Sciences Learning Communities. Developed by the school’s Student Affairs team, this program enrolled 879 new first-year students in shared classes to foster connections among peers and create a support network from the start of their college journey. Each student was placed in a small group of 18-20 classmates, forming a cohort that completed their first-quarter biology classes together. This structure allowed students to see familiar faces across classes, from introductory lectures to labs, easing the transition to a large university and building a stronger sense of belonging.
The cornerstone of the Learning Communities was BIO SCI 2A, a seminar designed to introduce students to academic planning, career exploration, and UCI resources for student success. These small, interactive seminars were led by upper-level student mentors and gave first-year students a chance to connect through activities and discussions. “In BIO 2A, students complete icebreakers and get to know each other. They’re also provided space and time to reflect on the first-year experience. This allows students to recognize they’re having a shared first-year experience and are not alone,” shared the First-Year Experience Team. With guidance from experienced mentors, students found support as they adapted to the academic demands of their first quarter, helping them feel more connected to their peers and the broader campus community.
Beyond academics, the Learning Communities helped students build a strong social foundation. By sharing class schedules, students could more easily form friendships and study groups, making the shift to college life smoother. “It can be challenging and intimidating to connect with other students, especially in a large lecture hall setting,” explained the First-Year Experience Team. “With the Learning Communities, students know they will be seeing familiar faces again in their BIO SCI 93, BIO SCI 93L, and of course, BIO SCI 2A. That assurance … can be incentivizing for students to open themselves up to and get to know others more.” The program fostered a sense of belonging that encouraged students to reach out, build friendships, and navigate their new environment with confidence.
The Learning Communities experience began in summer orientation, where students met their cohorts and participated in icebreakers and social activities. Early feedback indicated strong enthusiasm, with many students scheduling their chemistry and general education classes with their Learning Community cohorts as well. An impressive 65% of the incoming class completed the initial survey on their Learning Community experience, and additional feedback will be gathered in Winter 2025 to guide future enhancements.
Looking to the future, the Student Affairs team envisions expanding Learning Communities by grouping students according to career goals, incorporating targeted in-class activities, and inviting guest speakers to enrich each cohort’s experience. The team expressed hope that these groups will continue to build social bonds beyond the first year. Congratulations to the First-Year Experience Team — Kristin Fung, Assistant Director of Student Affairs; Melanie Nakanishi, Lead Advisor for Enrollment Management; and Joanna Bradshaw, Academic Advisor — on their dedication to launching Learning Communities, a program that marks a promising beginning for the future of student success at the Dunlop School.