Why Join the Exploration and Discovery Learning Community?
Starting college can be overwhelming, but the Exploration and Discovery LLC offers a welcoming environment where first-year students can thrive. Here’s why students choose to be part of this dynamic community:
Key Benefits
- Personalized Learning: Small class sizes allow for meaningful interactions with faculty.
- Mentorship and Support System: Peer mentors and LLC faculty provide guidance on academics, campus involvement, and student life.
- Exclusive Academic & Career Opportunities: Early access to research, study abroad, and professional mentorship programs.
- Strong Sense of Belonging: A close-knit residential community fosters lifelong friendships and networking opportunities.
- Opportunities First Year and Beyond: The Explorer’s Guild RSO keeps students engaged with LLC events and alumni connections. Follow on Instagram
Academic & Career Exploration Opportunities
Fall Colloquium: Your Gateway to FSU Resources
A zero or one-credit-hour colloquium designed to introduce students to FSU’s academic and career resources.
What You’ll Gain:
- Exposure to different academic disciplines and career pathways.
- Insights from faculty, researchers, and program leaders.
- Knowledge about undergraduate research, study abroad, and national fellowships.
- Strategies for academic and career planning.
Spring Discovery Networks: Personalized Mentorship & Career Guidance
A unique opportunity for students to meet with faculty and staff in small groups (6-10 students) to explore specific topics.
How it Works:
- Choose a Discovery Network based on your interests.
- Participate in hands-on discussions, field trips, and networking events.
- Connect with professionals and gain insights into different career fields.
Requirements of the ED-LLC
Fall Semester Requirements:
- Successfully complete the ED-LLC colloquium
- Enroll in one of the Peer Mentor-led discussion sections
- Enroll in one “in-house” course
- Get involved by attending at least 3 ED-LLC community events, such as Paint-A-Pot, and one Peer Mentor social per month.
Spring Semester Requirements:
- Successfully complete a Discovery Network course
- Get involved and network by attending three required ED-LLC community events, including the Graduation Reception.
- Attend one Peer Mentor social per month.
Previous In-House Course Offerings:
- ENC 2135: Research, Genre, and Context – Teaches students writing as a recursive process to help them gain research skills, such as incorporating outside resources into their work.
- PHI 2630: Ethical Issues & Life Choices – An introduction into philosophical problems to help foster critical thinking skills.
- IDS 2393: Social Movements: Hunger Games Trilogy – An introduction into a sociological study about collective behavior and social movements by analyzing the Hunger Games Trilogy.
- SLS 1203: Intro to Academic Major Exploration – This course aims to help students begin their major exploration journey by analyzing their values, interests, and skills with the goal of making a confident decision when deciding on a major.
Previous Spring Discovery Networks:
- Seminole Athletics 360: The Teams Behind the Teams – This course will give students an inside look at college athletics and the administrations who support our FSU teams.
- Media, Marketing, and Communications – Students will learn from and work with professionals in journalism and similar fields to explore content creation, multimedia storytelling, and more.
- Government Relations – Students have an inside look into Florida’s legislative process, such as how law and policy decisions are made. They will have the opportunity to track the Florida Legislative Session in real time.
- Pre-Law Mentorship Journey: Exploring Law, Building Skills & Shaping Futures – Aspiring law students will have a thorough introduction into law, its specializations, and skills needed to succeed in the field. .
- STEM – Students interested in a STEM career will engage in active learning opprtunities, professional workshops, and networking opportunities to learn about available resources for those pursuing a STEM major in FSU.
- Introduction into Career Development – Students have the opportunity to learn and develop necessary skills in life/career planning in this variable credit course.
*Course offerings vary each semester, please review our Student Resource Guide for more information.
Check out our newsletter archive to explore past events and student highlights!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a Living-Learning Community (LLC)?
A Living-Learning Community (LLC) is a residential program where students with shared interests live and learn together. It offers exclusive events, faculty support, and a strong peer network to enhance academic and personal growth.
Is there any extra cost for joining LLC
No, there are no additional fees for participating in an LLC. Students are only responsible for their standard housing and tuition costs that they would have to pay even if they were not in an LLC.
Who can apply to the Exploration and Discovery LLC?
This LLC is primarily focused on helping Exploratory majors in their first year. These students receive priority during the application process. However, students from all majors are welcome to apply if they are eager to explore academic and career possibilities.
Is living in the ED-LLC residence hall required?
Yes, students in the ED-LLC must live in Bryan Hall to enhance the community experience during their first year. However, students do not live in Bryan Hall after their first year.
What courses will I take?
In the Fall, ED-LLC students take a zero or one-credit-hour Fall Colloquium and Discussion Section. The Discussion Sections are led by Peer Mentors and meet in various classes close to Bryan Hall. In addition, students take a 3-credit “in-house” course, which meets a graduation requirement. The 3-credit course is taught in the Bryan Hall classroom.
In the Spring, ED-LLC students get to choose a 1, 2, or 3 credit-hour Discovery Network course. In the past, Discovery Networks focused on athletics, building campus connections, marketing, pre-law, STEM, or general career development have been offered. However, these can change each semester.
Can I stay involved after my first year?
Yes! Through The Explorer’s Guild RSO, students can continue to engage with ED-LLC events, network with alumni, and take on leadership roles. Previous students are also encouraged to apply to serve as Peer Mentors for the upcoming cohort of ED-LLC students. However, students can only live in Bryan Hall their first year.
How to Apply
Interested in joining the Exploration and Discovery Learning Community? Click Here to learn more about application details!