Business Learning Community | Apply | Business

LIVE. LEARN. CONNECT.

In the learning community, you live with others who share your career interests, learn together in shared classes and connect with faculty and staff, upper-class students and business professionals through exclusive activities.

In Business Leaders, you will have the opportunity to develop your leadership skills and discover the strengths needed to become future business and community leaders. This learning community is a great fit for students who have decided on a career in business and want to become more involved in the College of Business Community.

As a member of this learning community, you will take introductory courses in business, English, and math. You will live with other learning community students in Abel Hall. You will have the opportunity to connect with faculty, staff and students through exclusive activities including behind-the-scenes tours of businesses, teambuilding activities, and meetings with alumni and business professionals.

Learn More

Programs and Events

The BLC offers programs and events throughout the year that you are invited and encouraged to attend. The activities are designed to help you grow academically, professionally, personally, and socially -- helping you to become well-rounded students and highly qualified business professionals. Examples of BLC activities include:

Back to School Bash
Challenge Course
B-Week
One and DONE!
Major Showcase
Freshman Advising Nights
BIG Trip with Learning Communities
Student Organization Fair, Career Fairs and Education Abroad Fairs
Campus Activities and Events
Professional Workshops and Events
Student Programs (mentor sponsored)

Courses

As a member of a Business Learning Community, you take courses with other learning community participants. You will take the following courses:

Fall:
BSAD 111: Investing in Strengths
ENGL 151: Writing: Rhetoric as Argument
MATH 104: Applied Calculus*
*With a qualifying Math Placement Exam score

Spring:
BSAD 50: Business Computer Applications
ECON 211: Principles of Macroeconomics
ACCT 201: Introductory Accounting I (if prerequisites are met)

Note: Students who have AP/IB credit or transfer credit for any of the above courses will not be required to take these course again with the Business Learning Community. Students can consult any College of Business Academic Advisor for assistance in understanding the course requirements and transfer policies.

Where You Will Live

As a member of one of the Business Learning Communities, you will live in Abel Hall. You will have a roommate who is also part of the Learning Community and will be surrounded by a network of peers who share your passion for business, leadership, and academic excellence.

Abel Hall

Leadership

Rachel Wesley

Business Advising and Student Engagement

How to Apply to a First-Year Learning Community

To apply for a learning community, complete your Housing Contract no later than April 1. However, space is limited and applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so complete your contract as soon as possible.

Apply Now

From Students’ Perspective

“Being a member of the BLC was by far the highlight of my freshman year. I was able to travel to Chicago and Kansas City. Through events spaced throughout the year, I was able to make a ton of friends and bond with my mentors.”

Melanie Harvey
Management major

“Being a part of the Business Learning Community, I was able to build friendships and take classes with peers that had similar interest. This made the transition to college easier.”

Daniel Cappo
Accounting and marketing major

“One of my favorite parts of the BLC was the resources it provides. You can easily get to know your advisors, who are always willing to help you with your academics and find you opportunities to succeed. Choosing the BLC was the best decision I made freshman year. I met my closest friends through this experience!”

Allison Weber
Management major

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I join a learning community? Meet new people right away Benefit from increased interactions with faculty and staff Connect with knowledgeable upper-class student mentors Enjoy programs to help you succeed academically Gain chances to network with people in your field of study Connect with alumni Participation in learning community activities is completely voluntary, but we’re confident you’ll find plenty to enjoy and that it will be one of the best decisions of your first year at Nebraska.
What are the benefits of joining? Students who participate in a learning community are often more successful. On average, learning community students earn a higher first-semester GPA and are more likely to graduate on time. Also, learning communities are a lot of fun and provide students with experiences they may have not otherwise.
What if I don’t know what I want to major in yet? That’s fine! The business learning communities are interest-based and do not require a specific major; they are open to any first-year student interested in learning more about the business field.
What if I change my major? Most learning community classes will meet ACE general education requirements, which are accepted in all degree programs.
I have already taken one of the courses the learning community takes together. Can I still join? Yes! At your New Student Enrollment orientation session, you will work with an academic advisor to verify which of the learning community courses are right for you. If there is a course you already have credit in, you will not be expected to retake that course.
What is the cost? Students in a learning community will be billed an additional $95 through University Housing in September. This nominal fee helps fund your community’s activities and subsidize relevant travel expenses.
Can I request a roommate? You may request a roommate if that person has also been accepted to the same learning community. While you are not required to request a roommate, you can utilize the Roommate Finder tool in your MyRED account beginning in mid-April.
When will I find out if I am admitted to a learning community? All learning communities are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll be notified about your learning community status 2-3 weeks after you submit your Housing Contact.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Apply Now

Business Leaders Learning Community