Impact Learning Communities are primarily for incoming, first-year students. ODU does have some ILCs that are designed for students who are not incoming, first-year students such as the Computer Science, Conservation Leadership, and Sophomore Cybersecurity ILCs.
No. Impact Learning Communities are open to students who live on or off-campus.
Impact Learning Communities are for students who live both on and off-campus. These students take a minimum of two courses together during the fall semester. Living-Learning Communities are for students who live on-campus. These students live in the same residential community and take at least one course together. Both have enrichment opportunities that are woven into the learning community but participation is not mandatory. Both have upperclass students from that major who serve as peer mentors to aid the students within the ILC or LLC. For more information on Living-Learning Communities, please visit www.odu.edu/life/housing/on-campus-housing/living-learning.
Impact Learning Communities provide the opportunity for students to learn in smaller settings and participate in shared experiences related to a major, career, or theme of interest. ILCs assist first-year students with the transition to college by allowing students to build instant connections with peers and faculty. At ODU, research has shown that Impact Learning Community students feel more comfortable engaging with faculty and developing connections with their fellow classmates. Because of these connections, there is a greater sense of belonging to the University that aids students in being more involved on campus. Students that participate in ILCs also earn a higher grade point average. As many programs look at grade point average for entry (e.g., Health Sciences, Pre-Medical), involvement in the ILC allows students to get a jump on their academics and the potential for entry into competitive programs. Each ILC will have a Peer Mentor that will assist with the transition to college and connect student's to different campus resources. ILC students will also get to participate in out-of-class experiences and enrichment activities.
First, complete the ILC Student Interest Form located on the Impact Learning Communities main page. An ILC staff member will contact you to discuss next steps. ILC course registration will take place at Monarch Orientation. To prepare for Monarch Orienation, be sure to complete the Writing Sample Placement Tool, submit any SAT and/or ACT scores, submit any transcripts for AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment courses, complete any necessary placemment tests, and sign up for a Monarch Orientation date. Prior to Monarch Orientation, you may attend an ILC Information Session to learn more about the program. You may also discuss the ILC program and you goals with an academic advisor during Monarch Orientation.
No. Completing the ILC Student Interest Form is just a way of expressing that you would like more information about the opportuity so that the program staff may contact you with more information about the ILC(s) in which you are interested. Please note that ILCs are on a first-come, first-served basis. We cannot guarantee there will be spaces available if you attend later Monarch Orientation sessions. We encourage all students in ILCs to attend Monarch Orientation prior to August 1st.
Yes! We have many students who are in the Perry Honors College participating in both Impact Learning Communities and Living-Learning Communities. Impact Learning Communities add an additional level of support for all students.
Peer Mentors are upperclass students who have taken the same courses as those assigned to the ILC or have had the expereince of participating in an ILC. Peer Mentors help guide students in the transition to ODU by connecting them to campus resources, assisting with study tips, and setting personal and professional goals.
Unfortunately, students may only be enrolled in one Impact Learning Community. Students also must decide between an Impact Learning Community and a Living-Learning Community due to course enrollments. However, students may live in a Theme Community on-campus and participate in an Impact Learning Community.