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Learning Communities at BCC

Academic Support

learning community

Welcome!

A Learning Community is a small group of students who are enrolled together in two joined courses, and who work in collaboration toward shared academic goals.

Learning communities at Berkshire Community College (BCC) enroll no more than 22 students and are taught by two faculty members, creating the opportunity for students and faculty to form connections in a supportive academic environment of curiosity and growth.

For more information about Learning Communities at BCC, please contact Dr. Laurie Gordy, Dean of Humanities, Behavioral and Social Sciences, at lgordy@berkshirecc.edu.

Learning Communities offered at BCC

This fall 2022 semester we are offering two Learning Communities under the Stay Local, Go Global theme.

Diasporas: Identity and Belonging Away from Home: ENG 101-A4 (Fridays 12:30-1:45) and LAR 101-A1 (Wednesdays 12:30-1:45) Fall 2022

Language and Culture in our Global Society: COM 104-A1 (Tuesdays 12:30-1:45) and HIS 121-A1 (Thursdays 12:30-1:45) Fall 2022

Contact Us

Learning Communities Advisory Team:

  • Laurie Gordy (she/her/hers), Dean of Humanities, Behavioral and Social Sciences
  • George Ambriz (he/him/el), Assistant Dean of Student Affairs / Director of SUCCESS
  • Julia Curletti (she/her/hers), Assistant to the VP of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management/Division Support Manager
  • Gina Foley (she/her/hers), Associate Professor of Life Science
  • Julianna Spallholz (she/her/hers), Professor of English

Students interested in joining a Learning Community are encouraged to make an appointment with an Academic Advisor to discuss how enrollment in a Learning Community will fit into their academic plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why should I join a Learning Community?

    Much research has shown that first year college students who feel socially connected and academically supported are far more likely to reach their educational goals — and to enjoy the journey getting there. Learning Communities at BCC help to create an environment that values the inclusion of a diversity of thought, perspective, and experience, and that encourages academic inquiry, civic responsibility, and the strengthening of relationships on and off our campus.

  • How do Learning Communities work?

    In fall 2022, two Learning Communities will be offered at BCC. Students who wish to be part of one of these Learning Communities will register simultaneously for the Community's two separate but integrated semester-long courses, whose topics are connected through theme and coursework. These courses will satisfy degree requirements (depending on your program) or General Education requirements, while delivering content specially designed by their instructors to encourage exploration of the relationships among subjects of study.

  • How do I join a Learning Community?

    It is important for students interested in joining a Learning Community to understand that upon successful completion of each of the two individual courses included in the Community, they will receive degree-bearing credit for each course.

    It is also important to understand that enrollment in a Learning Community is a commitment to full participation in both courses.

    Students interested in joining a Learning Community are encouraged to make an appointment with an Academic Advisor to discuss how enrollment in a Learning Community will fit into their academic plan.