Learning Communities: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Learning Community?

Most simply, a learning community is a village of students within the larger university. Learning communities (LC) provide "families" of students with small group interactions, peers, 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.

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Does It Cost Extra to Be in a Learning Community?

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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).

To learn what 'High-Impact Practices (HIPs)' are

FAQs

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.

Scholarship requirements can be found at the Scholarship & Financial Aid webpage.

Are There Courses Associated with Learning Community?

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

To find what it means to be a 'certified Hullabaloo U' program.

Century Scholars

What Is the Difference Between 'Probation' and 'Suspension'?

If you are on 'probation', you still will receive your Century Scholarship. If your scholarship has been 'suspended', you will not receive payments during the semester(s) of your suspension status. Failure to meet one requirement in either category (academic or participation) will result in a probationary period for the semester(s) in which you fail to meet the requirement. If you fail to meet the same requirement in any semester following probation, your Century Scholarship will be suspended. In order to reinstate your scholarship after suspension, you must meet all academic and participation requirements at the end of the semester that you apply for reinstatement.

How Do I Reinstate My Scholarship After Suspension?

In order to reinstate your Century Scholarship, you must meet all academic and participation requirements, including: • Have at least a 2.75 GPR • Meet the credit hour requirements for your classification • Meet the participation requirements for your classification • Submit the Reinstatement Form available through Scholarships & Financial Aid

The Reinstatement Form can be found on the Scholarship & Financial Aid webpage.

How Do I Receive My Study Abroad Stipend and/or a Summer Scholarship Payment?

Complete the Academic Scholarship Study Abroad Stipend Form and/or Scholarship Summer Payment Form through Scholarships & Financial Aid.

The Academic Scholarship Study Abroad Stipend Form and/or Scholarship Summer Payment Form are both available on the Scholarship & Financial Aid webpage.

What Do I Do If I Miss a Required Century Scholarship Event?

The Century Scholars Program (CSP) follows University policy for absences and missed assignments. You must provide a university-excused absence.

More information about Texas A&M University Student Rule 7-Attendance.

How Do I Meet My Program Requirements If I’m Studying Abroad?

You must still meet the program requirements (academic and participation) if you are studying abroad. Consult with a Century Scholars Program Coordinator prior to leaving to discuss changes to your participation requirements while you are abroad.

To communicate with a Century Scholars Coordinator, please email us at the following email address: CenturyScholars@tamu.edu

Do I Have to Join the Century Scholars Organization (CSO)?

No. However, participation in the Century Scholars Organization (CSO) is highly recommended for all current Century Scholars.