You are here
3.2 - Creating Place-Based Learning Communities
HSU has developed Learning Communities, a series of place-based and experiential research opportunities for students. These programs, which deepen HSU students’ connections to the region, simultaneously enrich the student experience and positively impact the region.
Learning Communities are a curricular approach that links a cluster of courses around an interdisciplinary theme and enrolls a common cohort of students. The programs—which include a summer program, fieldwork, and seminars—offer unique opportunities for students to deeply immerse themselves in their area of study and get hands-on experience in the region’s varied ecosystems. The programs are designed to support student’s connection both to their chosen field of study and to the beautiful and fragile region in which they live. Several of HSU’s environmentally-oriented programs are described below.
Klamath Connection:83 HSU students from a range of scientific and natural resources disciplines conduct experiments alongside scientists working on water quality, habitat restoration, and fish and wildlife conservation that are helping to improve the health and resiliency of the region’s critical Klamath River.
Among Giants:84 Students majoring in the biological sciences participate in this immersion program focused on studying and conserving the rich biodiversity of the HSU region’s forests and terrestrial ecosystems.
Rising Tides:85 Students majoring in marine biology and oceanography conduct hands-on research to better understand and protect the region’s wild and vibrant coastline and marine ecosystems.
Global Humboldt:86 First-year, undeclared students participate in global Humboldt in order to explore interests, gain new strengths and experiences, and grow their own way at HSU. This learning community is designed for students who hope to make a difference but want to first learn more about the world around them. Students in the programs study food, culture, Native American studies, rural economic development, air, and the environment in their first year at Humboldt.