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First-Year Learning Communities (Fall Semester)

To serve our diverse CSUSM student community, First-Year Programs coordinates a range of first-year learning communities and specialized GEL 101 sections. Each first-year learning community or specialized section addresses an exclusive theme with unique learning outcomes tailored to a specific student population. Examples of first-year learning communities and specialized sections include:

Learning Communities

  • San Marcos Experience (SME) and Residental Learning Community (RLC):
    A civic-engagement learning community for students living on campus. Emphasis is on development of leadership skills, serving the community, and involvement in campus life.
  • First-Year Business Learning Community (FYBLC):
    In partnership with the College of Business Administration, the FYBLC is an intentional learning community for students planning to major in Business Administration. Students in the FYBLC will take at least two courses together in their first semester, GEL 101: The Student, The University, The Community and BUS 202: Business Law. 
  • CSUSM Student Athlete Learning Community:
    A learning community for first-year CSUSM student athletes.
  • Global Learning Community (GLC):
    A learning community for students that emphasizes global and cultural diversity.
  • Undeclared/Undecided Learning (ULC):
    A learning community with an emphasis on researching and choosing an academic major and career path for students who have not yet chosen a major. Students enrolled in the ULC, they will be paired with a minimum of two courses together in their first semester.

Specialized GEL Sections

  • STEM Major Specialized GEL Section: A specialized section for first-year students planning to major in STEM. This section is in partnership with the College of Science and Mathematics.
  • Kinesiology Specialized GEL Section: A  specialized section for first-year students admitted and majoring in Kinesiology. These sections are in partnership with the College of Education, Health, and Human Services.

For further information on our first-year learning communities please contact First-Year Programs directly at fyp@csusm.edu. 

Fall 2018 Specialized GEL Flyers