Skip to main content

About the Program

Goals

The Student Pathways and Academic Formation Office is committed to students' success at Norfolk State University. All aspects of our Learning Communities program are designed to assist our students in their development. These four goals serve as a foundation for the Learning Communities:  

  • Foster a sense of belonging and community
  • Engage first-year students in early-stage career exploration, service learning/civic engagement and undergraduate research
  • Improve retention for first-years students
  • Provide on-going faculty/staff development focused on enhancing the student experience

Learning Communities are specialized groups designed to integrate classroom studies with focused, hands-on academic experiences. The combination of curricular and co-curricular activities inside and outside of the classroom enables students to fully engage in their NSU experience and learn to encounter real world experiences with an interdisciplinary approach.

Students who participate in Learning Communities experience better academic and personal success through events and programs, networking, and much more. We offer several communities designed to focus on shared interest, educational goals, or lifestyle preferences.

Vision

To support Norfolk State University's commitment to student success, the Learning Communities Initiative seeks to enhance our first-year experience by providing all interested students with a collaborative and community-oriented space to grow holistically.  

Mission

The mission of Norfolk State's Learning Communities is to enhance and integrate student learning and engagement by creating communities of students through shared living, common courses, and co-curricular activities based on a theme or academic major.  

Apply

Learn more about applying to Learning Communities. Complete this form to let us know you're interested.