Learning Community

The FSHN Learning Community, coordinated by an academic adviser, is designed to assist students majoring in dietetics, culinary science, pre-diet and exercise, food science, and nutritional science in transitioning to the Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN) Department and Iowa State University through opportunities to engage with other peers and faculty members in the department.

FSHN offers two learning communities for:

Incoming first year students

Transfer and major-change students

Both groups are led by upper-class peer mentors currently in the FSHN department who plan professional and social activities and are available to answer questions and provide support as needed.

Learning communities provide an opportunity for students with interests in food and nutrition careers to make meaningful connections both in and outside the classroom with their peers and department faculty.

First-year students

• The year-long program helps incoming first-year students transition from high school to college through social and professional activities.
• Students enroll in a few common courses for both spring and fall semesters while taking additional courses based on their major.
• Students have the option to live together on the same floor in Eaton Hall. If interested in this option, students must click on the Learning Community tab when filling out the Department of Residence contract on AccessPlus.
• Students can sign up for the learning community program and common courses at registration during summer orientation.

Transfer/major change students

• The semester-long program helps students transition to the department through opportunities to engage with other peers and faculty members.
• Students can sign up for the learning community by enrolling in the transfer student section of FSHN 110: Professional and Educational Preparation.