MJ
Marcus Jansen
  • Horticulture
  • Class of 2018
  • Quincy, IL

Marcus Jansen selected as 2015-2016 Peer Mentor

2015 Oct 5

Marcus Jansen, majoring in Horticulture at #IowaState, was selected as a 2015-2016 Peer Mentor for the Horticulture Learning Community.

Learning communities are designed to help first-year and transfer students transition to Iowa State and provide an introduction to the university while connecting them to departments, academic advisors, fellow students and faculty. Peer mentors, like Jansen, play a vital role in learning communities by sharing examples of their own student experience, providing perspective as one who, not so long ago, made the very same transition to Iowa State.

Students participating in learning communities generally take common courses, like English and math, accompanied with activities like speakers or field trips that connect coursework with professional skill development. Learning communities can also include a residential component, where members live together on the same floor (or near each other) in a campus residence hall. Peer mentors in each learning community may be responsible for helping organize study groups, social events, and out-of-class activities for members.

Learning communities, which have been at Iowa State for 20 years, don't just provide benefits for new students; they provide learning experiences for peer mentors as well. Peer mentors in each learning community, including Jansen, can gain skills in project management, leadership, and both interpersonal and group communication.

Iowa State's more than 80 learning communities have served over 56,000 students. Learn more about learning communities at www.lc.iastate.edu.