Glenn School Learning Community

The John Glenn Learning Community is a co-curricular program sponsored by the Ohio State University’s John Glenn School of Public Affairs and Office of University Housing. The Learning Community allows first-year students with an interest in public service and policy to live together in the residence halls. As an undergraduate student, you will spend an average of only 15-20 hours a week in the classroom. It is important that where you live and spend the balance of your time is a friendly and supportive environment, both academically and socially.

In the John Glenn Learning Community, the fun begins BEFORE the first day of class, with an early arrival program that puts you on campus two days before the arrival of the full freshman class for a special orientation, and continues throughout the year. Learning Community programming is focused on the four pillars of the Learning Community: Policy, Academics, Service, and Social.

Policy

• » Bi-weekly meetings and discussions focusing on important public policy topics.
• » Opportunities to listen to and interact with known public servants and experts in a wide range of relevant policy issues.
• » An annual trip to Washington D.C.
• » The chance to meet Senator and Mrs. Glenn.

Academics

• » Small, faculty-taught courses specifically for Learning Community students that focus on leadership, civic engagement, and public policy.
• » Trips to educational attractions such as the Ohio Statehouse and John Glenn Historic Museum.
• » Individualized support and attention from University Housing and Glenn School staff.

Service

• » Opportunities to participate in community service projects such as tutoring at local elementary schools, coordinating voter registration drives, or volunteering at a nearby senior center.
• » Participation in Ohio State’s Community Commitment and MLK Day of Service, two of the largest single days of service in the country.
• » An approach to education that incorporates service both inside and outside of the classroom.

Social

• » The opportunity to be a part of a small community of like-minded individuals, while still taking advantage of all the resources Ohio State has to offer.
• » Team building and leadership development activities.
• » Social events such as group dinners, intramural sports and movie nights.

Watch a video about the John Glenn Learning Community Early Arrival Weekend.


Cyrus Sethna tells why he joined the Learning Community.


Watch a slideshow of the Learning Community in Washington D.C.

»Read about the Learning Community Staff.
»Download a pdf about the Learning Community.
»Download the 2011 Early Arrival Schedule.

Housing Information
The John Glenn Learning Community is open to all students interested in public affairs, public policy, leadership, community service, and the political process, regardless of one’s intended major. Incoming freshmen will be able to apply for the Learning Community when they complete their Ohio State housing contracts. The Learning Community is housed in the Baker East residence hall and typically consists of 60-80 first-year students.
»Click here to connect to OSU Housing.

Contact Information
If are interested in finding out more about the John Glenn Learning Community, please contact the Program Coordinator, Chris Adams, at adams.615@osu.edu.