"Being in a Learning Community is something that's helped me grow as a student and make connections with people who have similar goals as me. The BPMI Learning Community has done a phenomenal job to help build a cohort of students who otherwise might not connect with each other during their first year. The group of students in my Learning Community grew to be some of my most understanding friends and favorite study buddies."
Majors eligible to join
First-year or transfer majors in Biological/Pre-Medical Illustration (BPMI)
Program Description
Biological/Pre-Medical Illustration (BPMI) is an interdisciplinary major at ISU. The curriculum spans both the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Design. While the major is administered by LAS, there is a close working relationship with COD administration and faculty. The program is small, averaging 40-50 students. BPMI is a “destination major” meaning that many students come to ISU specifically because of the program and BPMI attracts many out of state students. Currently, out of state students comprise about 1/2 of the BPMI student count, including several international students.
Our Learning Community allows students to meet others in their cohort from day one.
Living Options
Non-residential
Signing up
Sign up will take place during Orientation. Please ask your adviser for details.
The Program for Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) is a supportive community dedicated to making STEM equitable and welcoming for all. The goal of WiSE is to provide the network and resources WiSE students need to excel in their studies, approach their career with confidence, and become advocates and leaders. Female students in a STEM major are automatically in WiSE.
This course equips WiSE students with skills needed to persist and thrive in their chosen STEM major at Iowa State and beyond. Students explore experiences of diverse women leaders in STEM fields, engage with peers across STEM fields, and develop community in small groups with peer leaders. This course also fulfills the U.S. Diversity requirement.
*this includes women who are cisgender, trans, of trans experience, etc.
Monthly events featuring food, speakers and activities! A great way to meet with other WiSE students and pursue personal and professional development.
Living Options
Residential clusters are designed to help students connect and build community with other female students in STEM. WiSE residential clusters options exist for first-year and transfer students.
All women in STEM are automatically in WiSE and will receive our newsletter, The Hoot, to their Iowa State email. Follow us on social media (@wise_isu) for the latest events and programs. Students are encouraged to stop into the WiSE Office at 218 Carver for studying, snacks and conversation!
First year and early transfer students in Genetics and Bioinformatics in either the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences or the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are eligible.
Program description
This Learning Community includes freshmen and early transfer students in the Genetics an Bioinformatics major. The curricular component includes the fall GEN 110 orientation class and reservations in specific sections of Chemistry, Biology, and biologically-themed English classes in fall and spring semesters allowing students to attend classes and labs with others in the major. Social or Educational events are held at least monthly beginning with a welcome social the day before classes begin. Other social events, field trips, research lab tours, and service learning with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation are planned.
Most importantly, upper division Genetics adn Bioinformatics majors act as peer mentors to assist with the orientation class, social and educational activities, and to lead study sessions in Chemistry and Biology. This learning community does not have a residential component but women students are encouraged to join the WiSE residential theme houses if they wish to be housed with students in similar majors.
Living Options
None
Signing up
All freshmen majoring in Genetics and Bioinformatics are signed up at registration. Genetics and Bioinformatics transfer and change-of-major students may also opt to join the learning community. Contact the coordinator if interested.
First-year students majoring in Biology (Liberal Arts and Sciences, Agriculture and Life Sciences)
Program description
The Biology Learning Community, Biology Education Success Teams (BEST), is designed to support first-year students entering the Biology Program. The BEST Learning Community seeks to help navigate students through their first year in the Biology program and facilitate lasting connections with peers, program faculty, and staff, both in and outside the classroom.
All BEST members will be invited to participate in various social events throughout the fall semester. Upperclass peer mentors provide advice and direction and are involved in leading activities in the Biology orientation course. Our social programming increases opportunities for interaction between students, faculty, and staff during events, trips, and picnics. It is our hope that after participation in the BEST Learning Community, students will feel a strong connection to the Biology program, feel more comfortable approaching and interacting with faculty and staff, know and utilize ISU resources, and demonstrate academic success during their time here at Iowa State.
How to sign up
First-year students in Biology will be registered for BEST during their summer orientation advising appointment.
Students majoring in Biochemistry within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), including the Research and Biotechnology, Pre-Medicine, and Biophysics focus options. All students exploring futures in the biosciences are also welcome.
Program Description
The Biochemistry Learning Community introduces first-year students to the academics, careers, and community of the Biochemistry majors. Peer mentors work with incoming students to build connections to academic resources, research opportunities, and the professors and students of the Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology (BBMB) department.
Peer mentors guide team-based discussions about degree requirements, support services, scholarships, and research opportunities. Learning Community members will formulate a personalized four-year plan to complete a Biochemistry degree customized to support future career goals.
The Learning Community nucleates the Biochemistry community, connecting students with peer mentors, professors, support staff, and researchers. We highlight student research opportunities, internships, and leadership activities. Lab tours introduce new students to university research scope and infrastructure. BBMB professors visit to share about their journeys in teaching and research.
Learning Community members explore the diversity of careers available with the analytical and problem-solving skills developed throughout the Biochemistry degree plans. Professors and alumni visit to discuss career prospects in biotechnology, medicine, bioengineering, science communication, and beyond. We outline the prospects of starting a science career after earning a B.S. degree or pursing further training in graduate or medical school. We reflect on science as a global community and celebrate broadly accessible science communication and outreach.
Living Options
Non-residential
Signing-up
Incoming students enroll in BBMB 110 during summer orientation. The Biochemistry Learning Community continues into the spring semester with BBMB 111.
"Being involved in a learning community has been an incredibly beneficial experience as it introduced me to some of my closest friends in college, assimilated me with being a college student, and opened many new doors for my adventure at ISU. My successes and accomplishments would not be near as far as they are today without the knowledge and connections I developed from my learning community." -Ryan
"For me, the best part about being involved in a learning community is the relationships gained. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences seems large and can often be terrifying to new students. Being a part of a learning community or "team" as we like to call it, allows you to meet familiar faces and have an upperclassman student who can guide you in the right direction and answer questions you may have. I love seeing students involved in my learning team around campus, and following their successes within clubs, classes, and with new obstacles such as job interviews and internships. Being involved in a learning community is a great learning experience and I am grateful to grow as a peer mentor and a leader." -Megan
Majors eligible to join
Agricultural Business and Economics
Program description
The Agricultural Business Learning Community is for first-year students majoring in Agricultural Business. Members of the Ag Bus Learning Community are divided into 4-5 Teams of 18-20 students, with one Team composed of transfer students. Each Learning Team takes 4-5 classes together (normally Econ 101 and 110, English Composition and Mathematics). Some of these courses allow for curricular connections and opportunities for Supplemental Instruction and tutoring. The Ag Business Learning Community is not a residential Community but students are able to participate, concurrently, in other university residential Learning Communities such as the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences ACES Learning Community. Each Ag Business Learning Team is assigned 1-2 upper class students who serve as peer mentors. Peer Mentors meet with Learning Team students twice a week during fall semester and also coordinate a variety of programs and interactive activities to help bring students and faculty together.
The general goals and objectives of the Agricultural Business Learning Community are to provide opportunities for structured and frequent interaction among first year students, and with faculty and staff in the department; provide opportunities for students to work cooperatively and productively with others including upper level students; help facilitate student’s transition to ISU through targeted activities and programs; help students gain and refine academic proficiencies through linked courses, develop career interests, and adapt more easily to college life while networking with businesses, professors, and most importantly peers. Thus, the Agricultural Business Learning Community is designed to provide new students with the best experience to help them succeed both academically and socially at ISU.
Living Options
Agricultural Business Learning Community members can concurrently belong to the College of Ag ACES Learning Community, which provides a residential living option.
Signing up
All Agricultural Business and Economics Majors will be given an opportunity to sign up for a Learning Team during summer orientation or at the time they sign up for fall semester classes.
