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New Students and Family Programs

Learning Community Types 2013-2014

Page address: http://www.mnsu.edu/newstudent/communities/future/types.html

Learning community enrollment for the 2013-2014 academic year will open soon!

The learning community programs being offered for the 2013-2014 academic year are listed below.

Alpha Engineering

Not only will you receive an introduction to one of the four fields of professional engineering offered at Minnesota State Mankato in this learning community, you will also have the opportunity to interact with select faculty from these departments, take part in organized study groups, and interact with peers studying the same subjects.

NOTE: This learning community is recommended only for students majoring in civil, mechanical, electrical and computer engineering. It is NOT recommended for students with any other major, including the engineering technology majors.

What you'll take:

As a part of the learning community, you'll be enrolled in the following courses:

Fall Semester:

  • *MATH 115: Pre-Calculus (4 credits) OR
  • *MATH 121: Calculus I (4 credits)
  • CMST 102: Public Speaking (3 credits)
  • CHEM 191: Chemistry for Engineers (3 credits) ME, EE, and CE majors only
  • One introductory engineering course from the following:
    CIVE 101 Introduction to Civil Engineering (2 credits) CIVE majors
    or ME 101: Introduction to Mechanical Engineering (2 credits) ME majors
    or EE 106: Introduction to Electrical/Computer Engineering I (3 credits) EE and CE majors

Spring Semester:

  • *MATH 121: Calculus I (4 credits) OR
  • *MATH 122: Calculus II (4 credits)
  • PHYS 221: General Physics I (if MATH 122) (5 credits)
  • ENG 101: Composition (4 credits)
  • CIVE 201: Introduction to Problem Solving and CIVE Design (2 credits)CIVE majors
    or ME 201: Introduction to Problem Solving and ME Design (2 credits) ME ME majors
    or EE 107:Introduction to Electrical/Computer Engineering II (3 credits) EE and CE majors

*Enrollment in the Alpha Engineering Learning Community is based on ACT Math and Accuplacer Math Placement Scores. In order to enroll in this learning community, you must be eligible to enroll in MATH 115: Pre-Calculus or higher based on ACT Math or Accuplacer Math Placement Test scores. See the Introduction to Science, Engineering, Technology Learning Community if you place into MATH 112: College Algebra or lower.

Where you'll live:

Preska Residence Community: I Hall, 3rd floor (women) and 4th floor (men)
 
*Please note: Preska I Hall is charged at the Renovated Room rate. For more information about room rates, please see the Residential Life Web site www.mnsu.edu/reslife/rates/

Who to call:

Dr. Patrick Tebbe
Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering
Phone: 507-389-6834
patrick.tebbe@mnsu.edu

 

Anatomy of Nursing

If you’re planning to pursue a degree in nursing, consider living and studying with other students who share your interest in healthcare. This learning community will help you develop a solid foundation in this challenging and competitive major. You’ll meet faculty and staff, enhance your academic skills, and learn about career options.

What you'll take:

As a part of the learning community, you’ll enroll in the following courses:

Fall Semester:

  • BIOL 220: Human Anatomy (4 credits)
  • GEOG 103: Cultural Geography (3 credits)
  • ENG 101: English Composition (4 credits)
  • FYEX 100: First Year Seminar (1 credit)

Spring Semester:

  • CHEM 111: Chemistry of Life Processes (5 credits)
  • NURS 101W: Courage, Caring and Teambuilding (3 credits)
  • PSYC 101: Introduction to Psychology (4 credits)

It is highly recommended that you take college-preparatory biology and chemistry classes in high school in order to prepare yourself for the challenging courses in the nursing program.

Where you'll live:

McElroy Residence Community: E Hall, 1st floor (men) and 2nd floor (women)
 
*Please note: McElroy E Hall is charged at the Basic Room rate. For more information about room rates, please see the Residential Life Web site www.mnsu.edu/reslife/rates/

Who to call:

Dr. Julie Hebenstreit
School of Nursing
Phone: 507-389-6828
julia.hebenstreit@mnsu.edu

 

Becoming a Village: Caring for Our Children

If you’re considering pursuing a career working with children and families, you will find your place in this learning community! You’ll connect with other students who share that interest, explore issues facing children and families today, and learn about social problems and barriers that families face. Professionals in social work, psychology, advocacy, and other helping professions need a strong understanding of diverse backgrounds and experiences, and the focus of this learning community is to help you develop that understanding while preparing you for a career in these fields.

What you'll take:

As a part of the learning community, you’ll be enrolled in the following courses:

Fall Semester:

  • ETHN 201W: Perspectives on African Americans (3 credits)
  • KSP 235: Human Development (3 credits)
  • ETHN 296: Multicultural Conference (1-2 credits)
  • FYEX 100: First Year Seminar (1 credit)

Spring Semester:

  • SOWK 210: Intro to Social Work 1 (3 credits)
    or PSYC 202: Careers in Psychology (1 credit)
  • AIS 101: Introduction to American Indian Studies (3 credits)
  • ETHN 296: Pan African Conference (1-2 credits)

It is highly recommended that you take college-preparatory biology and chemistry classes in high school in order to prepare yourself for the challenging courses in the nursing program.

Where you'll live:

McElroy Residence Community: F Hall, 1st floor (men) and 2nd floor (women)
 
*Please note: McElroy F Hall is charged at the Basic Room rate. For more information about room rates, please see the Residential Life Web site www.mnsu.edu/reslife/rates/

Who to call:

Dr. Debra Gohagan
Department of Social Work
507-389-1699
debra.gohagan@mnsu.edu

C. Maxille Moultrie
Institutional Diversity
507-389-5296
c.moultrie@mnsu.edu

 

Choosing and Changing Majors

"Undecided" majors unite! Join other first-year students in a learning community that gives you an opportunity to learn about yourself while exploring major and career opportunities. You’ll learn new tools to help you set and reach personal goals and become a successful lifelong learner.

What you'll take:

As a part of the learning community, you’ll be enrolled in the following courses:

Fall Semester:

  • BIOL 100: Our Natural World (4 credits)
  • CMST 100: Fundamentals of Speech Communication (3 credits)
  • FYEX 100: First Year Seminar (1 credit)

Spring Semester:

  • PSYC 101: Introduction to Psychology (4 credits)
  • ENG 101: English Composition (4 credits)

Students in this learning community are also urged to take an introductory-level course in a major of interest. Students will work with academic advisors to determine an appropriate course.

Where you'll live:

McElroy Residence Community: H Hall, 1st floor (men) and 2nd floor (women)
 
*Please note: McElroy H Hall is charged at the Renovated Room rate. For more information about room rates, please see the Residential Life Web site www.mnsu.edu/reslife/rates/

Who to call:

Office of New Student and Family Programs
Phone: 507-389-5498
newstudent@mnsu.edu

 

Dental Hygiene

If you’re a future dental hygienist, this learning community will give you camaraderie and support as you complete dental hygiene prerequisite courses, participate in activities, and develop relationships with faculty from the dental hygiene department.

As a part of the learning community, you'll be enrolled in the following courses:

Fall Semester:

  • DHYG 100: Dental Hygiene Perspectives (1 credit)
  • BIOL 220: Human Anatomy (4 credits)
  • HLTH 101: Health and the Environment (3 credits)
  • CMST 102: Public Speaking (3 credits)
  • FYEX 100: First Year Seminar (1 credit)

*It is recommended, although not a part of the learning community courses, that students also register for:

  • PSYC 101: Introduction to Psychology (4 credits) OR
  • CHEM 106: Introduction to Chemistry (3 credits) for students with a limited chemistry background or for students who did not take chemistry in high school OR
  • MATH 098: Intermediate Algebra (4 credits) for students with limited math background

Spring Semester:

  • CHEM 111: Chemistry of Life Processes (5 credits)
  • ENG 101: English Composition (4 credits)
  • SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
  • STAT 154: Elementary Statistics (3 credits)

NOTE: Failure to complete a minimum of 16 credits per semester may result in a five-year completion of the bachelor’s degree.

Where you'll live:

McElroy Residence Community: F Hall, 3rd floor (men) and 4th floor (women)
 
*Please note: McElroy F Hall is charged at the Basic Room rate. For more information about room rates, please see the Residential Life Web site www.mnsu.edu/reslife/rates/

Who to call:

Dr. Lynnette Engeswick
Dental Hygiene Department
Phone: 507-389-1313
lynnette.engeswick@mnsu.edu

 

Elementary Education

In this learning community, future teachers develop an understanding of teaching and professionalism through active learning experiences like tutoring, shadowing, and mentoring in school settings. Your commitment to the field will be strengthened while living and studying with fellow elementary education majors.

What you'll take:

As a part of the learning community, you'll be enrolled in the following courses:

Fall Semester:

  • ART 100: Elements and Principles of Art (3 credits)
  • HLTH 240: Introduction to Drug Education (3 credits)
  • ENG 101: English Composition (4 credits)
  • FYEX 100: New Student and Family Programs (1 credit)

It is recommended, although not a part of the learning community courses, that students with a limited math background also register for MATH 098: Intermediate Algebra (4 credits) during the fall semester.

Spring Semester:

  • CHEM 100: Chemistry in Society (4 credits)
  • GEOG 100: Elements of Geography (3 credits)
  • MATH 201: Elements of Mathematics I (3 credits)
  • CMST 100: Fundamentals of Communication (3 credits)

Where you'll live:

McElroy Residence Community: H Hall, 3rd floor (men) and 4th floor (women)
 
*Please note: McElroy H Hall is charged at the Renovated Room rate. For more information about room rates, please see the Residential Life Web site www.mnsu.edu/reslife/rates/

Who to call:

Dr. Ginger Zierdt
Educational Studies: Elementary and Early Childhood
507-389-2431
ginger.zierdt@mnsu.edu

Mymique Baxter
College of Education Advising Center
507-389-1215
mymique.baxter@mnsu.edu

 

Elements Of Nursing

If you’re planning to pursue a degree in nursing, consider living and studying with other students who share your interest in healthcare. This learning community will help you develop a solid foundation in this challenging and competitive major. You’ll meet faculty and staff, enhance your academic skills, and learn about career options.

What you'll take:

As a part of the learning community, you'll enroll in the following courses:

Fall Semester:

  • CHEM 111: Chemistry of Life Processes (5 credits)
  • NURS 101W: Courage, Caring and Teambuilding (3 credits)
  • PSYC 101: Introduction to Psychology (4 credits)
  • FYEX 100: First Year Seminar (1 credit)

Spring Semester:

  • BIOL 220: Human Anatomy (4 credits)
  • ENG 101: English Composition (4 credits)
  • GEOG 103: Cultural Geography (3 credits)

It is highly recommended that you take college preparatory biology and chemistry classes in high school in order to prepare yourself for the challenging courses in the nursing program.

Where you'll live:

McElroy Residence Community: E Hall, 1st floor (men) and 3rd floor (women)
 
*Please note: McElroy E Hall is charged at the Basic Room rate. For more information about room rates, please see the Residential Life Web site www.mnsu.edu/reslife/rates/

Who to call:

Dr. Julie Hebenstreit
School of Nursing
507-389-6828
julia.hebenstreit@mnsu.edu

 

Exploring Health Careers

If you’re interested in working in the healthcare field but haven’t narrowed it down to a specific profession, this learning community may be for you. You’ll develop strong connections to faculty and staff in the College of Allied Health and Nursing who will guide you through the wide variety of careers in healthcare. The courses offered fill requirements for many health related majors as well as General Education requirements.

What you'll take:

As a part of the learning community, you'll be enrolled in the following courses:

Fall Semester:

  • BIOL 220: Human Anatomy (4 credits)
  • CAHN 101: Introduction to Health Careers (3 credits)
  • ENG 101: Composition (4 credits)
  • FYEX 100: First Year Seminar (1 credit)

Spring Semester:

  • PSYC 101: Introduction to Psychology (4 credits)
  • HLTH 101: Health and the Environment (3 credits)
  • HLTH 210: First Aid and CPR (3 credits)

Where you'll live:

McElroy Residence Community: F Hall, 1st floor (men) and 2nd floor (women)
 
*Please note: McElroy F Hall is charged at the Basic Room rate. For more information about room rates, please see the Residential Life Web site www.mnsu.edu/reslife/rates/

Who to call:

Shirley Murray
College of Allied Health and Nursing
507-389-5194
shirley.murray@mnsu.edu

 

Government Service

This learning community was designed for students considering careers in public service or government, including law enforcement, corrections, aviation, political science, or military science. The courses offered will help you explore different interest areas, as well as get you on the right path toward your career in service. Most of the courses fulfill general education requirements.

What you'll take:

As a part of the learning community, you'll be enrolled in the following courses:

Fall Semester:

  • MSL 111: Foundations of Officership (1 credit)
  • POL 111: U.S. Government (3 credits)
  • CORR 106: Criminal Justice Systems (3 credits)
    or LAWE 131: Introduction to Law Enforcement (3 credits)
  • FYEX 100: First Year Seminar (1 credit)

Spring Semester:

  • MSL 112: Basic Leadership (1 credits)
  • AVIA 100: The World of Aviation (3 credits)
  • CMST 102: Public Speaking (3 credits)
  • HLTH 210: First Aid and CPR (3 credits)

Where you'll live:

McElroy Residence Community: E Hall, 3rd floor (women) and 4th floor (men)
 
*Please note: McElroy E Hall is charged at the Basic Room rate. For more information about room rates, please see the Residential Life Web site www.mnsu.edu/reslife/rates/

Who to call:

LTC Gerald Bohl
Department of Military Science
507-389-6220
gerald.bohl@mnsu.edu

 

Honors

Students who meet the Honors Program requirements will be challenged through their coursework and out of class experiences while participating in this learning community and throughout their academic career. For details and information about enrollment in the Honors Program and this learning community, please contact Dr. Chris Corley in the Honors Office at 507-389-5191.

What you'll take:

As a part of the learning community, you'll be able to choose from special Honors sections of the following courses:

Fall Semester:

  • SOC 150: Social Problems (3 credits)
  • ENG 101: Composition (4 credits)
  • REHB 110W: Sensitivity to Disability (3 credits)
  • HONR 401: Honors Seminar: Applications of Game Theory (3 credits)
  • HONR 401: Honors Seminar: Research and Information Literacy (3 credits)
  • HONR 401: Mentoring (1 credit)
  • FYEX 100: First Year Seminar (1 credit)

Spring Semester:

  • EEC 222W: Human Relations in a Multicultural Society (3 credits)
  • GWS 220: Global Perspectives on Women and Change (3 credits)
  • PSYC 103W: Psychology Today (3 credits)
  • HONR 401: Honors Seminar: Leadership in Context (1 credit)
  • HONR 401: Honors Seminar: Public Communication Strategies (3 credits)
  • HONR 475: Honors Portfolio (1 credit)

Be sure to contact Dr. Chris Corley at 507-389-5191 for Honors Program Application information. You will not be accepted into the Honors Learning Community unless you are first accepted into the Honors Program.

Where you'll live:

Preska Residence Community: I Hall, 1st floor (women) and 2nd floor (men)
 
*Please note: Preska I Hall is charged at the Renovated Room rate. For more information about room rates, please see the Residential Life Web site www.mnsu.edu/reslife/rates/

Who to call:

Dr. Emily Stark
Honors Program
507-389-5191
emily.stark@mnsu.edu

 

Introduction to Science, Engineering, and Technology

If you’re interested in pursuing any major within the science, technology, engineering, or math fields, but feel you need additional preparation and/or support, this learning community is for you! We will provide you with the support and coursework to build a strong foundation in your challenging field. You will have opportunities to connect with faculty from various disciplines and find your place within the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology.

What you'll take:

As a part of the learning community, you'll be enrolled in the following courses:

Fall Semester:

  • *MATH 098: Intermediate Algebra (4 credits) OR
  • *MATH 112: College Algebra (4 credits)
  • CHEM 104: Introduction to Chemistry (3 credits)
  • FYEX 100: First Year Seminar (1 credit)

Spring Semester:

  • *MATH 112: College Algebra (4 credits) OR
  • *MATH 113: Trigonometry (3 credits)
  • PHYS 101: Introductory Physics (3 credits)
  • BIOL 105: General Biology I (4 credits)

*Enrollment in the ISET Learning Community is based on ACT Math and Accuplacer Math Placement Scores. This learning community may not be appropriate for students who place into MATH 115: Pre-Calculus and above.

Where you'll live:

McElroy Residence Community: H Hall, 1st floor (men) and 2nd floor (women)
 
*Please note: McElroy H Hall is charged at the Renovated Room rate. For more information about room rates, please see the Residential Life Web site www.mnsu.edu/reslife/rates/

Who to call:

Ken Adams
College of Science, Engineering & Technology
Student Advising Center
507-389-1521
kenneth.adams@mnsu.edu

Dr. Dan Swart
Chemistry Department
507-389-6454
daniel.swart@mnsu.edu

 

Pre-Professional Sciences

If you are entering college planning to continue on and attend medical school, veterinary school, physical therapy school or other professional programs, your path is going to be complex and challenging. This learning community will offer you support in your coursework, answers to your questions, and guidance in the process of pursuing these demanding programs.

What you'll take:

As a part of the learning community, you'll be enrolled in the following courses:

Fall Semester:

  • BIOL 105: General Biology I (4 credits)
  • PSYC 101: Introductory Psychology (4 credits)
  • FYEX 100: First Year Seminar (1 credit)

Spring Semester:

  • BIOL 106: General Biology II (4 credits)ng>
  • ENG 101: Composition (4 credits)

Where you'll live:

Preska Residence Community: I Hall, 3rd floor (women) and 4th floor (men)
 
*Please note: Preska I Hall is charged at the Renovated Room rate. For more information about room rates, please see the Residential Life Web site www.mnsu.edu/reslife/rates/

Who to call:

Ken Adams
College of Science, Engineering & Technology
Student Advising Center
507-389-1521
kenneth.adams@mnsu.edu

 

Secondary Education

Are you pursuing teaching in the middle and high schools? Connect with other students with your same goal! You’ll have the opportunity to interact with faculty who have a vested interest in seeing future teachers obtain the skills and confidence they need to be successful in the classroom, while taking courses that will advance you toward your goal of teaching and fulfill General Education requirements.

What you'll take:

As a part of the learning community, you'll be able to choose from special Honors sections of the following courses:

Fall Semester:

  • KSP 220W: Human relations in a Multicultural Society (3 credits)
  • SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
  • ENG 101: English Composition (4 credits)
  • FYEX 100: First Year Seminar (1 credit)

Spring Semester:

  • PHIL 205W: Culture, Identity, and Diversity (3 credits)
  • SOC 150: Social Problems (3 credits)
  • KSP 200: Critical Issues in Public Education Today (3 credits)
  • CMST 203: Intercultural Communication (3)

Where you'll live:

McElroy Residence Community: G Hall, 1st floor (men and women)
 
*Please note: McElroy G Hall houses both men and women on the same residence hall floor and is charged at the Basic Room rate. For more information about room rates, please see the Residential Life Web site www.mnsu.edu/reslife/rates/

Who to call:

Dr. Guynel Reid
Educational Studies: K-12 and Secondary Programs
507-389-5664
guynel.reid@mnsu.edu

Dr. Anne Dahlman
Educational Studies: K-12 and Secondary Programs
507-389-5703
anne.dahlman@mnsu.edu

 

So, You Want to Be a Music Major!

Studying music in college is more intense than you’ve experienced in high school, and this learning community will create the connections and support to help you be successful! Learn how to practice your instrument or skill like a pro, to listen to music critically and aesthetically, and other skills you’ll need to succeed in the Music Program, all while making lifelong connections with faculty and other students in your major.

What you'll take:

As a part of the learning community, you'll be enrolled in the following courses:

Fall Semester:

  • MUS 131: Music Theory 1 (2 credits)
  • MUS 133: Aural Skills 1 (2 credits)
  • CMST 102: Public Speaking (3 credits)
  • FYEX 100: First Year Seminar (1 credit)

Spring Semester:

  • MUS 132: Music Theory 2 (2 credits)
  • MUS 134: Aural Skills 2 (2 credits)
  • ENG 112W: Introduction to Poetry and Drama (4 credits)

Where you'll live:

McElroy Residence Community: G Hall, 2nd floor (men and women)
 
*Please note: McElroy G Hall houses both men and women on the same residence hall floor and is charged at the Basic Room rate. For more information about room rates, please see the Residential Life Web site www.mnsu.edu/reslife/rates/

Who to call:

Dr. John Lindberg
Music Department
507-389-1523
john.lindberg@mnsu.edu

Dr. Kimm Julian
Music Department
507-389-2171
kimm.julian@mnsu.edu

A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.

Minnesota State University, Mankato is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity University.

This document is available in alternative format to individuals with disabilities by calling the Office of New Student and Family Programs at 507-389-5498 (V), 800-627-3529 or 711 (MRS/TTY).