What are First Year Learning Communities?
First Year Learning Communities (FLC) help first-year students to make connections within their program of study.
The First Year Learning Communities Program is a registered program that groups approximately 40 first-year students by their program of study in order to help students find a sense of community within their academic programs or shared identities. Pronounced as “flicks”, FLCs meet bi-weekly to participate in workshops and activities focused on academic skills development, career exploration, and socialization. These events include opportunities like Dinner With Your Professor, where students can get to know their professors and learn more about their academic journeys.
Each FLC is assigned a FLC Leader, an upper-year student from a similar program of study. This program is open to all first year students.
Which Learning Community if right for me?
First-Year Learning Communities are divided by program of study, based on UTSC’s Programs of Study. For example, if you were admitted to the Anthropology Program, your First Year Learning Community would be the Arts, Social Sciences & Humanities FLC. Make sure to double check UTSC’s Programs of Study to see which one is best for you.
How do I apply?
To apply, complete the First Year Learning Communities Application. The deadline for applications will be August 17 at 11:59pm. You may apply if you miss this deadline. Should you apply outside of this period, you will be added to our waiting list.
Please note that you must a First-year student, admitted to the University of Toronto Scarborough. Please Apply to the FLC that corresponds to your admission category, based on UTSC’s Programs of Study. Space in our program is limited. Successful applicants will be notified in August.
Who can apply?
First-Year Learning Communities are open to all UTSC student in their first year of study at UTSC. To remain in a First-Year Learning Community, you must be enrolled in classes. First-Year Learning Communities are open to first-year students living on and off campus.
Will participation in a First Year Learning Community be on my transcript?
Your participation in a First-Year Learning Community will be noted on your Co-Curricular Record. To be eligible for Co-Curricular Recognition, you must regularly attend First-Year Learning Community events and complete a year-end reflection.
What will Learning Communities look like for the 2020-21 year?
The First Year Learning Communities Program will offer virtual opportunities for students to connect with their communities and to build upon academic, career and personal skills. As social distancing guidelines are lifted, we will provide both in-person and virtual opportunities.
How do I apply for a Management FLC?
Management Learning Communities are hosted by the UTSC’s Management Department. To learn more, please visit https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/mgmt/management-utsc-experience-lead
What is my Co-Curricular Record, and why is this important?
Your Co-Curricular Record is an official record that recognizes the skills and experiences you have had beyond the classroom. It will track your activities throughout your time at U of T. It will help you to better understand the skills you are developing and how they might apply to other contexts. Documenting your co-curricular experiences, will also help you to market your skills and experiences to graduate schools and potential employers, and help you speak about them in a meaningful way on grant and bursary applications.
