NIU’s Office of Student Engagement and Experiential Learning (OSEEL) is planning for spring Themed Learning Communities (TLCs) to be offered to freshmen enrolling in their first semester at Northern Illinois University in Fall 2013.
TLCs are groups of two or three classes bundled together around a common course theme, interest or major with the goal of providing students the opportunity to engage deeply with the theme.
The class size is typically 20 to 25 students (with 25 being the maximum) so students are able to develop relationships with faculty, peers and TLC Peer Leaders.
Also adding to the uniqueness of TLCs is the integrative assignments developed by TLC faculty members that draw on concepts from all TLC courses, further enhancing the students’ learning experience. In addition, TLCs often offer professional development opportunities, field trips and other engaged learning opportunities.
The Office of Student Engagement and Experiential Learning (OSEEL) is currently accepting proposals for Fall 2013 TLCs.
University colleges or departments interested in developing a TLC for Fall 2013 can submit their proposals to OSEEL by Friday, Sept. 28, for review.
Currently OSEEL is overseeing 13 TLCs for Fall of 2012, with at least one TLC theme related to each of the six undergraduate colleges, as well as TLCs created by the Academic Advising Center, CHANCE Program, PROMISE Program and Athletics.
OSEEL hopes to increase the number of TLCs for Fall 2013.
For more information, contact the Office of Student Engagement & Experiential Learning at (815) 753-8154 or email szobac@niu.edu or visit http://niu.edu/engagedlearning/themed_learning/index.shtml.
