First-Year Learning Communities (FLCs)
Your journey here at Rotman Commerce begins with our First-Year Learning Community (FLC) program!
Transitioning from high school to university can be exciting, and at times, overwhelming.
To make it easier, you are pre-enrolled or automatically enrolled into a First-Year Learning Community, or FLC (pronounced flick) for short. You will see this on your timetable as RSM099Y1 – this is not a course.
FLC is a co-curricular program which means that it’s not for credit. There’s no homework and no pressure – just a way for us to support your success in first year by helping you develop skills and make connections. Even though it’s not for credit, you will receive a notation on your academic record upon completion!
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide students with the knowledge, resources, and social support to help ease the transition experience to have an academically successful first year. FLCs also introduce you to the opportunities, culture, and benefits of the campus and its surrounding community – all in a laid-back, student-led atmosphere.
By participating in FLC, students will:
- Develop a sense of community and belonging, which involves relationship building (e.g. mentorship, friendship, teamwork, peer-to-peer), shared experiences, and the ability to mobilize that sense of community.
- Develop a broad range of academic and professional skills that will help them navigate the transition from high school to first year in university, be successful in their academics and beyond, and being to build the skills necessary for career development.
- Become aware of and navigate the resources at Rotman Commerce, the colleges, and the wider University of Toronto community.
- Encourage self-discovery, and curiosity as a means of exploring purpose, and will promote open mindedness and self-discovery.
How it works!
Each FLC is comprised of 25 to 30 students and provides first-year students with the opportunity to meet classmates, develop friendships, form study groups, and develop academic and personal skills that will help you adjust to university life.
Our FLCs are run by upper-year peer mentors who have been in your shoes and know what it’s like to be in first year. And to help you make friends in your classes, we try to ensure that your FLC-mates are enrolled in the same required first-year sections with you so you’ll always know people who can support you in your studies!
Your FLC group will meet every other week according to your schedule.
After enrolment in July, we will contact you by email with information on how to choose an alternate time for your FLC, if needed.
Contact us at rotmancommerce.flc@utoronto.ca to learn more.
Student Testimonials:
“A great opportunity to take a break from notes, classes, work, etc., and just take some time to listen/talk/play games. Helped with destressing after a long week and was a good source of social interaction considering that forming relationships has been difficult given the circumstances.”
“It was a very good time. There was a lot of knowledge that I might not have found otherwise, and it made it easier to navigate through the year. The overall FLC experience certainly gives me a sense of belonging and provides valuable tips to survive RC:”)
“Overall, my FLC experience was very pleasant as I got to meet new people and share my thoughts and opinions on our experiences in the classes, we took over this year. Moreover, it was also very helpful in guiding me through making decisions for second year.”
“I’m very satisfied with my overall FLC experience, I learned a lot of things in terms of resources and how to manage my time better. The mentors are both super chill and welcoming, which really helped me destress, which is very much needed in this online learning environment.”
“I’m happy to have participated in FLC this year. Despite missing a few sessions, I was able to meet people, learn important information about Rotman, and have access to upper-year Rotman student experiences. The online environment was very well coordinated, and the sessions were always entertaining. “
“It was amazing. I’m so happy I participated. It’s a chance for first years to meet and for you to make connections with upper years, and I don’t know how I could’ve had those connections without this program. I’m so glad I met all the wonderful people through this program.”
