Learning Communities
Learning Communities are cohort-based groups formed around shared interests, challenges, or goals. These communities foster sustained engagement, peer learning, and collaborative inquiry in a supportive environment.
Key Features
- Regular meetings (minimum 60 minutes)
- Topic-based membership
- Co-learning and co-leadership
- Scholarly and reflective approach
- Action-oriented and forward-facing
- Career-stage or project-based relevance
Fall 2026
Civic Engagement Learning Community: Renegade
Synchronous Sessions:
Tuesday, September 1 • 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday, September 3 • 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Tuesday, September 15 • 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday, September 17 • 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Tuesday, September 29 • 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday, October 1 • 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Tuesday, October 13 • 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday, October 15 • 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Zoom or Teams
Join colleagues across campus for conversations on Renegade: Defending Democracy and Liberty in Our Divided Country, by Adam Kinzinger and Michael D’Antonio. Hosted by the Center for Civic Engagement, the Department of Politics and Government, and the Center for Integrated Professional Development, this discussion invites participants to explore themes of public service, democratic responsibility, and political courage through the lens of an Illinois State University alum who began his political career in central Illinois.
Of Many Minds: Neurodivergence and Mental Health Learning Community
Synchronous Sessions:
Tuesday, August 25
Tuesday, September 15
Tuesday, October 6
Tuesday, October 27
Time:
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location:
WIH 325 or 326
This learning community welcomes neurodivergent Illinois State faculty and staff—as well as neurotypical colleagues who want to better support them—to connect, share experiences, and explore neurodivergence, mental health, strengths, and workplace strategies. Sessions draw loosely from the book Of Many Minds.
Small Changes Learning Community
Synchronous Sessions:
Thursday, September 3
Thursday, September 15
Thursday, October 1
Thursday, October 15
Thursday, October 29
Thursday, November 12
Time:
1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.
Location:
WIH 326 or Zoom
Join this learning community of course instructors who have been at Illinois State for more than four years. This semester, the group will be discussing the book Science of Learning meets AI: A Practical Faculty Guide to Purposeful Integration, Student Engagement, and Ethical Practices by Lewis D. Ludwig and Todd D. Zakrajsek.