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‘Clusters’ ease CCSU freshmen into college experience

Beginning with the coming fall semester, Clayton State freshmen can choose to participate in “clusters” when registering for classes. Students register for a block of basic courses with convenient scheduling hours and get the added bonus of forming strong and possibly lifelong bonds with other students in the cluster.

Also known as learning communities or freshmen interest groups, clusters were first made popular by the University of Washington in the late 1980s. A decade and a half later, clusters remain popular among colleges and universities across the nation who believe the communities improve student performance in the classroom and increase freshmen retention.

“There is almost no doubt that we will see improvement in student retention as a direct result of implementing clusters,” said Dr. James Mackin, associate provost at Clayton State. “As we expand the cluster concept into true learning communities involving advanced students, campus life, faculty, and staff, we will see more significant improvements in freshmen retention.”

Not only should clusters improve retention, but they may also, as Mackin has alluded, improve campus life at the University. Since Clayton State is predominately a commuter institution (approximately 6 percent of the student body lives in Clayton Place, the apartments located adjacent to the campus), clusters may keep students on campus longer as students build friendships with other students in the learning community.

“Because of enhanced peer interactions, cluster students are much more likely to get involved in campus activities than students who are not in clusters,” said Mackin.

And being in the same classes with the same students should not frustrate the student’s ability to meet students outside of the cluster. According to Mackin, students involved in clusters will form friendships with others in the cluster and be introduced to the friends and acquaintances of those students.

There are currently 254 students enrolled in clusters, with an anticipated final enrollment of 500 students by the end of registration in mid-August. In addition to easing students into college life through clusters, the University offers an optional course titled College Skills and Orientation. Students learn the skills necessary for academic success and receive guidance in choosing a major. The course also familiarizes the student with notebook computers, sending e-mail, and many other technology skills needed to succeed in a Notebook University.

For more information on clusters at Clayton State, call the Admissions Office at 770-961-3500 or visit www.clayton.edu.