John Glenn Civic Leadership Community

The John Glenn Civic Leadership Community is a living-learning community for all students who aspire to make a difference in the world and have an interest in public policy, politics, civic engagement, leadership and service

Apply by April 15 Contact the LC Coordinator

The John Glenn Civic Leadership Community seeks to cultivate the essentials of our democracy: citizens, leaders and ideas.

The five central pillars of this living-learning community are community, service, advocacy, leadership, and policy. Students in the community study a wide variety of academic majors but are united by a shared interest in public service and civic engagement. Participation in the program helps students turn their passion into policy and prepares them to be the next generation of public leaders.

Learn how to apply

Program Highlights

Welcome Week

Students receive personalized programming during welcome week, including an introduction to public policy, team building exercises, connections with faculty, and a service project.

Experiential Programming

Past experiential programming has included a trip to Washington D.C., tours of the Ohio State House and Ohio Supreme Court, election watch parties, and service projects with various nonprofit organizations

Professional Connections

Public leaders that represent a wide range of perspectives will discuss topics with students related to public service, politics, leadership and policy.

One-on-One Support

Students will receive individual attention and guidance from living-learning community staff, including members of the John Glenn College of Public Affairs and Housing and Residence Education.

Lifelong Friendships

Our students develop friendships that last far beyond their time in the Learning Community and at Ohio State. First-year students are also matched with a second-year mentor to assist with the adjustment to college life.

Priority Housing

Students reside in one of the newest residence hall on campus, Busch House, which is conveniently located near High Street, the Oval, dining halls, academic buildings, wellness facilities and Page Hall.

Academic Cluster

First-year students in the John Glenn Civic Leadership Community take two public affairs courses together for a total of four credit hours:

  • Public Affairs 2110: Introduction to Public Affairs and
  • Public Affairs 2160: Exploring Public Affairs

Within these classes, students will explore public affairs as a discipline, examine how different institutions impact public policies, learn about different career opportunities in relevant fields, and discover how to turn their passion into policy. They also engage in public policy, civic engagement and leadership discussions with faculty and practicing professionals.

Learn how to apply

FAQs

First-year students, regardless of one’s intended major, who aspire to make a difference in the world and have an interest in public policy, politics, civic engagement, leadership and service.

A group of students with similar academic, career and personal interests who live on a residence hall floor and take coursework together. Through exciting partnerships with a variety of campus units, faculty and staff, students have exclusive access to transformational activities that tie directly into their academic, professional and personal success at Ohio State.

In 2020, the US News and World Report recognized The Ohio State University’s living-learning communities as an outstanding initiative that leads to student success. Recent survey findings indicate that students who participate in a Learning Community at Ohio State:

  • Have given more thought to their career goals after graduation.
  • Have significantly higher GPAs.
  • Develop stronger study skills and are better able to balance their academics and personal lives.
  • Are better connected to the wealth of campus resources available at Ohio State.
  • Are surrounded by others with an increased commitment to succeed academically.

Applications for the John Glenn Civic Leadership Community are open for a limited time to incoming first-year students. Please visit University Housing for application details, specific deadlines and more information. Students can apply for the Learning Community prior to accepting admission to Ohio State.

For more information on this program, contact:

For questions related to housing and living-learning community logistics, please contact Shannon Mullally.

Shannon Mullally, First Year Residential Experience Specialist
Office of Student Life Housing and Residence Education
614-688-0924 / mullally.3@osu.edu