Learning Communities

Peer Mentors

Peer mentors go by different names depending on the LC: peer mentor, sophomore advisor, community leader, section leader, etc. No matter their official title, peer mentors are essential to the learning community experience.

Each OSS LC peer mentor is a current participant in their specific LC and can provide students with in-depth guidance on managing the college transition and balancing their academic obligations with their scholarship requirements.

Students can expect peer mentors to:

• listen
• share their campus knowledge
• help them determine options 
• connect them with campus or community resources
• communicate frequently
• teach them about new things

Mentors can expect students to:

• respond to communication
• participate fully in class or at events
• ask questions
• respect their time
• have fun
• let them know when they need help
• teach them about new things

Peer Mentor Training

The OSS Learning Communities Peer Mentor Training Program is a certified International Peer Educator Training Program through the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA). Selected peer mentors start training toward earning a CRLA Level I Mentor (“Certified”) certificate in the spring semester in which they are selected. This training continues with Hullabaloo U online coursework and our Camp Mentor experiential development retreat in the following summer, then is supplanted with monthly required trainings throughout the full academic year. By the end of their second and third years of service, our peer mentors are eligible to earn CRLA Level II Mentor (“Advanced”) and Level III Mentor (“Master”) certificates, respectively. These certificates are earned by completing specific training sessions for each level and mentoring for 50 hours (Level I), 75 hours (Level II), or 100 hours (Level III).”

Camp Mentor

The most important training for peer mentors in the Century Scholars, GTF Scholars, and First-Year Eats learning communities, Camp Mentor occurs in August prior to the beginning of classes.

Camp Mentor starts on campus and concludes at an off-site retreat center on the third day. Camp Mentor peer leaders refresh their knowledge of academic coaching, community-building, student transition issues, and group dynamics. During planning sessions, each LC finalizes the calendar for the year, prepares for Howdy Week events, and gets ready for the first week of classes.  Mentors have a lot of fun too! 

Academic Support

Each learning community is unique but academic success is central to the purpose of those in OSS Learning Communities. Students are encouraged to reach out to peers to form study groups, share perspectives from different academic classes, and to reach out for assistance when needed.

The campus provides additional academic support through help desks, supplemental instruction, and free tutoring. Peer mentors will assist students who ask in locating the resources that are available.

Academic Coaching

Students are encouraged to seek out Academic Coaching at the Academic Success Center.

Learning Community Peer Mentors also have practice in discussing academic issues and helping students find their possible next steps.

Learning Communities

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Century Scholars

The Century Scholars Program (CSP) is a four-year learning community that supports students from selected Texas high schools with an academic scholarship. Through freshman and sophomore seminars, community service, and other professional development opportunities, Century Scholars are prepared for the rigors of the academic and professional arenas.

First Year Eats

The First Year Eats program, part of the Texas A&M Hunger Consortium, focuses on breaking down food insecurity on campus by providing weekly meal kits, cooking classes, snack bags, and more to first-year students in the GTF and Century Scholars programs.

Greater Texas Foundation Aggie Scholars

Greater Texas Foundation (GTF) Aggie Scholars is a three-year learning community for students who have graduated from an early college high school as defined by Educate Texas. Selected students complete a freshman seminar course, community service, socials, and professional development events with their fellow GTF Scholars in order to build a lifelong network of high achievers.

FAQs

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What is a Learning Community?

Most simply, a learning community is a village of students within the larger university. Learning communities provide "families" of students with small group interactions, peer and faculty/staff mentorship, and common intellectual experiences that lead to academic success and higher graduation rates. LC students engage each other, faculty and staff in academic dialogue while learning the university's culture and developing themselves personally, professionally, and academically.

How do I join a Learning Community?

Participation in the OSS Learning Communities requires students to be recipients of either the Century or GTF scholarships. These are scholarships that can only be awarded to first-year students coming to Texas A&M from high schools that have been designated as participants in these programs. More information about the requirements to obtain and maintain each scholarship can be found at the Aggie One Stop website.

Are there courses associated with Learning Communities?

Both the Century and GTF Scholars programs require registration in a specific UGST 181 freshman seminar course associated with that learning community during your first year on campus. The Century Scholars Program also requires registration in a UGST 001 sophomore seminar course during the fall semester of students’ second year.

OSS Learning Community programs are certified as Hullabaloo U First-Year Experiences so that students can meet that campus requirement without adding to their schedule beyond their LC section.

Does it cost extra to be in a Learning Community?

Students do not pay additional fees to participate in OSS Learning Communities. These learning communities are available to students as a “high impact practice” that enhances learning, student development, and success.

There may occasionally be incidental expenses occurred for optional activities, such as membership dues for the Century Scholars Program’s student organization, the Century Scholars Organization. Additionally, international immersion experiences completed with OSS Learning Communities do require payment of travel costs (however, these costs are usually supported by increased financial aid).

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