Computer Science

Computer Science

Our learning community was established in fall 2004 to foster relationships, provide academic support for incoming freshmen wishing to major in Computer Science, and to help new students transition into a new environment and lifestyle. The first-year courses (Com S 2270 and 2280) have relatively large enrollments and our learning community provides a level of interaction between students that is not always possible in the classroom. We do this by having students take their first programming, math, and orientation course in a small cohort of students, and work with a peer mentor who is an upper-level student in Computer Science.

Many students come to the computer science major with few clear ideas about what it means to be a computer scientist, while others have taken programming courses in high school and explored computer science on their own. Some students are intimidated by the experience level of others, while some are looking for greater challenges. By living in close proximity to one another, friendships can form despite differences in skill levels, as those differences diminish throughout the school year. The learning community sponsors social and informative events in and outside the orientation class where peer mentors help build a sense of community, become a resource for students, review current topics, provide guidance on homework, and discuss both elementary and advanced computer science topics.

The Computer Science Learning Community offers an residence hall opportunity in Friley and Helser Halls. This allows students to live, study, and socialize together.

To sign up for a residential learning community, simply select your learning community preference when filling out your Department of Residence contract in the Housing portal. You can go in and update or change your learning community preference information at any time up until the deadline without losing your “priority date.” Sign up for the learning community course(s) takes place at summer orientation.