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Bearkat Learning Community

 

• What is Bearkat Learning Community?
• How many students will be in BLC in 2013-2014?
• Is BLC open to both men and women?
• What are the requirements for admission to BLC?
• What are the specifics about the essay?
• How do I apply to BLC?
• When will participants be notified that they have been selected for BLC?
• What classes will BLC students take?
• Why these particular classes? What if a BLC participant wants to take other courses?
• How will BLC participants be assured of getting these classes?
• What about classes in Spring 2014?
• If I apply for BLC, do I still need to submit a housing application?
• Where do BLC participants live their second and subsequent years at SHSU?

What is Bearkat Learning Community?

The Bearkat Learning Community (BLC) is a program designed for incoming freshmen who want to take full advantage of their university experience. In BLC, students live together on the fourth floor of Raven Village and take two classes together each semester. They also participate in Study Skills seminars and have to option of participating in additional extracurricular, social, educational, and community service programs. BLC was implemented in 2001-2002 as a joint effort of the Department of Residence Life, the Division of Academic Affairs, and the Division of Student Services.

How many students will be in BLC in 2013-2014?

BLC participants are screened and selected from a pool of incoming freshman who apply to the program. For 2013-14, BLC transition from two small houses to Raven Village and will accommodate 100 residents.

 

Is BLC open to both men and women?

Yes, Raven Village is coed, as are many residence halls at Sam Houston State University. Rooms are arranged in suites. The number of applicants to the program will determine the exact number of men and women assigned to the BLC.

 

What are the requirements for admission to BLC?

In order to participate in the Bearkat Learning Community program, the student must first be accepted to SHSU, have a completed Housing Application and $200 deposit on file, and fill out a separate BLC application. In addition to the application, students can choose to have an interview with the Program Coordinator or complete and attach an essay stating why the student wishes to be in BLC.

What are the specifics about the essay?

The essay must be a single, typed page and it should respond to the following prompt: Bearkat Learning Community is an opportunity for students who are committed to taking advantage of the full college experience, both academically and socially. Please 1) explain why you want to participate in this program, 2) how you can contribute to the community, and 3) your current strategies for academic success. The completed essay should be sent via email to Ms. Candice Wilson at c.wilson@shsu.edu. If you do not have access to email, the essay can be faxed to her at (936) 294-2232 or it can be mailed to:

Ms. Candice Wilson
C/O First-Year Experience
P.O. Box 2335
Huntsville, TX 77341-2335

If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Wilson at her email address or by calling (936) 294-2231.

How do I apply to BLC?

Applications may be picked up at a Saturdays @ Sam! session. You may also download and print the application here.

 

When will participants be notified that they have been selected for BLC?

After all applications have been reviewed, those selected will be notified shortly thereafter. Spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and we will maintain a list of alternates.

 

Learning in BLC

What classes will BLC students take?

BLC participants must enroll in any two courses of the nine that are designated for them in fall and two courses out of the eight that are designated for the spring semester. Students who have already earned college credit in these courses (AP English, or courses at another institution, for example) should carefully consider the commitment to BLC, which requires participation in at least two courses each semester.

 

For Fall 2013, students must choose a section of UNIV 1301 and one other course from the list:

• BIOL 1308
• ENGL 1301 (two BLC sections available)
• ENGL 2331 (two BLC sections available)
• HIST 1301 (two BLC sections available)
• POLS 2301
• PSYC 1301
• SOCI 2319
• UNIV 1301 (three BLC sections available)

Why these particular classes? What if a BLC participant wants to take other courses?

The courses selected for BLC participants are from the core curriculum. No matter what your major, you will be required to take these classes (with the exception of some science majors who may be required to take other science classes). There are nine courses to choose from, but program participants will only be required to enroll in two. This is designed to offer flexibility in scheduling. The BLC advisor will help you determine your schedule.

How will BLC participants be assured of getting these classes?

Special advising sessions are scheduled for participants during Orientation. For registration for Fall 2013, BLC participants will meet individually with the BLC advisor.

What about classes in Spring 2014?

The Spring 2014 selections will include BIOL 1308, ENGL 1302, HIST 1302, POLS 2301, PSYC 1301, and SOCI 2319. BLC participants should remember that participation in the program requires a year-long commitment.

Living in BLC

If I apply for BLC, do I still need to submit a housing application?

Yes, you must have an application for housing and a deposit of $200 on file to be considered for BLC. If you are not selected for the program, you will be assigned to another residence hall.

Where do BLC participants live their second and subsequent years at SHSU?

BLC is a freshman community. This means that students may not live there after their first two semesters at SHSU. BLC students will be directed to choose another facility if they wish to remain on campus for their sophomore year and beyond.

 

Contact Info

Candice Wilson
First-Year Experience Program Coordinator
(936) 294-2231
c.wilson@shsu.edu

Lee Courtney, Ph.D.
Professor of English and BLC Academic Advisor
(936) 294-1416
eng_lfc@shsu.edu

Andrew Miller, Ph.D.
Counseling Psychologist
(936) 294-1720
adm007@shsu.edu

Joellen Tipton
Director of Residence Life
(936) 294-1810
joellen@shsu.edu