College of Sciences Newsletter

Edition 6

October 1, 2001

 

Learning Communities Take a Voyage!

On September 9th, numerous students, advisors and faculty took a voyage on the American Rover.  Learning Communities are initiated each fall for freshmen who opt to take classes with the same group of students for one semester.  This “community” helps students to more quickly bond with other students and get acquainted with participating faculty on a more personal level.  One event that the Learning Communities in the College of Sciences has taken advantage of is the two-hour voyage on the American Rover.  Students piloted the vessel in open waters and helped raise masts.  A deejay played a variety of music for those who wanted to dance on the open deck.

The College of Sciences has eight Learning Communities among Biology, Psychology, Computer Sciences, Physics and Oceanography with a total of 160 students.  For additional information on Learning Communities, call Sharon Melone-Orme at 683-5200.

Below are pictures from the Learning Community cruise.
 
 

	The American Rover is a three masted sailing ship docked at Waterside in     Norfolk.
Learning Community students, faculty and teaching assistants board the American Rover.
	Students wait for the cruise to start.
These students have already found a great place to sit.
	Students and faculty mingle.
Sue Doviak (Math) and Janet Brunelle (CS) enjoy the cruise.
	Bruce Hanna (Astronomy) learns to raise the sails.
Bruce Hanna is still trying to raise the sails.
	Students also worked with the sails.
Nancy Wade (Biology) sits with students.
	Students got a chance to steer the ship.
Ron Johnson (Oceanography) takes a turn on the dance floor.