John Glenn School of Public Affairs Learning Community

Do you have a passion for issues of civic engagement? The John Glenn School of Public Affairs Learning Community is designed for OSU undergraduate students who aspire to make a difference in the world. The program seeks to cultivate the essentials of our democracy – citizens, leaders and ideas.

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. Learning communities provide a bridge between the classroom and outside-of-class life. They allow you to continue the learning process even when it feels like you are just relating and having fun. Students in the John Glenn Learning Community live together in Baker Hall East and participating in special activities and events.

Benefits of this program include:

• Regular public policy discussions
• Learning Community course offerings on leadership, civic engagement and public policy
• 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
• Hearing from speakers representing a wide range of political perspectives on a wide range of issues
• Social events such as barbeques, intramural sports and movie nights
• Annual travel to Washington D.C.
• Early arrival program
• Leadership development opportunities
• Support from University Housing and Glenn School staff

The John Glenn School Learning Community is a partnership between the John Glenn School and University Housing. It offers you a wonderful opportunity if you are interested in public service and public policy, regardless of your major. Students in the program have a wide variety of academic interests, from political science to social work, from nursing to international business.

The four central pillars of the learning community are:

• Policy
• Service
• Academics
• Social

The enhanced learning environment incorporates public policy discussion, interactions with public policy faculty and professionals, community service projects, educational trips, and social events. Each experience helps develop a close bond between group members as they develop leadership skills and a deeper understanding of policy issues, while making a positive impact at Ohio State and in the community.