The First Year Learning Communities Program is a registered program that groups first-year students by their program of study in order to help students find a sense of community within their academic programs. Each FLC is assigned a FLC Leader, an upper-year student from a similar program of study. This program is open to all first-year UTSC students (undergraduate).
FAQ
First Year Learning Communities, also known as “FLCs”, are groups of students from similar programs of study. FLCs focus on building community and working together to build skills for success.
FLCs meet bi-weekly for FLC Meetings, facilitated by the First Year Peer Team. FLCs are divided by program of study. There is no cost to participating in this program.
The program will begin early September and will run until April. FLC Meetings will take place on-campus and in-person. FLC programming may include of off-campus trips, special events, and/or virtual events.
First Year Learning Communities help first-year students to make connections within their program of study while developing academic, career and personal skills. Each year, students tell us how the program helped them to get to know their classmates, faculty, staff, and alumni. Students also tell us that the program helped them to adjust to university and that the program enhanced their university experience.
Your participation in the First Year Learning Communities Program is also eligible for Co-Curricular Record recognition.
To sign up, complete the First Year Learning Communities Registration Form.
Students admitted to Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistics program are automatically enrolled in the First Year Learning Communities program and do not need to register.
Students may continue to sign-up after the registration deadline has passed and throughout the school year.
To participate in this program, you must be an undergraduate, UTSC student in your first year at UTSC. You must also be enrolled in courses for the 2023-24 academic year to participate in the program. Transfer students and students with transfer credits are welcome and encouraged to apply.
The First Year Learning Communities Program is open to the following programs of study:
- Arts (Humanities, Social Sciences and Visual & Performing Arts)
- Computer Science, Mathematics & Statistics
- Life Sciences
- Physical & Environmental Sciences
- Psychological & Health Sciences
Living-Learning Communities are communities in Residence that group students together based on a shared academic interest. At UTSC, there are three Living-Learning Communities (LLCs): Global Citizenship LLC, Health & Wellbeing LLC, and Sustainability LLC. LLCs run events, programs, and initiatives related to this theme. Please note that Living-Learning Communities are open only to students living in residence. LLCs are open to residents from any program of study so that you bring diverse experiences and knowledge to critical conversations about your LLC focus.
First Year Learning Communities are open to all first-year students at UTSC and Living-Learning Communities are open to students living in residence. As a part of the FLC Program, you will be grouped with other students based on your program of study and will participate in activities and events related to your program of study. Living-Learning Communities focus on a specific theme, and run events and activities related to that theme.
Absolutely! Click on the link above to apply for a First Year Learning Community. You may apply to a Living-Learning Community as a part of your residence application.
If you are a Management student, we encourage you to apply to the FLIP Program. The FLIP Program is a comparable program designed for Management students. You can apply at https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/mgmt/first-year-learning-integration-program-flip
The First Year Learning Communities Program does not count toward academic credit. However, your participation in a First Year Learning Community will be noted on your Co-Curricular Record. To be eligible for Co-Curricular Recognition, you must regularly attend FLC events and complete a year-end reflection.
Your Co-Curricular Record is an official record that recognizes the skills and experiences you have had beyond the classroom. It will track your activities throughout your time at U of T. It will help you to better understand the skills you are developing and how they might apply to other contexts. Documenting your co-curricular experiences will also help you to market your skills and experiences to graduate schools and potential employers, and help you speak about them in a meaningful way on grant and bursary applications.