Business Learning Community

         

(Left) Students explore all functions of retail and business operations at Belk headquarters; (Right) Students kick off the year and build community through bowling

The Business Learning Community is a one-year program fostering academic success among a diverse group of entering first-year students who seek development opportunities. BLC students live together on campus, enroll in common courses, and participate in business-related extracurricular and career-development opportunities.

Members of the BLC are actively engaged with academic, social, and professional development opportunities. The community provides students with unique ways to expand business knowledge and skills while connecting with Charlotte area businesses, faculty, staff, fellow students, and campus resources.

BLC students begin their academic career in a designated section of Introduction to Business and Professional Development (BUSN 1101). BUSN 1101, taken during the fall of the freshman year, consists of professional development topics along with an overview of each business discipline and an introduction to campus resources. The course enhances a student’s understanding of his or her strengths and interests, and aims to create future business leaders who are intentional, curious, and aware.
 

Schedule of Classes

 

Former BLC students share experiences and advice through a panel on the last day of class, Dec. 2019.

As freshmen, BLC students will take two classes each semester within the learning community environment. Students fill the remainder of their schedule with classes of their choosing from the recommended academic plan of study for freshmen in the Belk College of Business.

All BLC students will be advised during Student Orientation, Advising and Registration (SOAR) and again each semester by a Belk College Academic and Career Coach to ensure proper progression of the degree requirements at UNC Charlotte.

The Business Learning Community is a residential program, and  students live on campus in C.F. Lynch Hall. Designed specifically for learning community students, it  accommodates both the living quarters for students, as well as quiet study areas and meeting spaces.

Lynch Hall is suite-style living with four students sharing a bath and living space. Most suites will have single bedrooms with a limited number available with double bedrooms. Learn more about Lynch Hall by visiting the Housing and Residence Life website.

Students should complete a Housing and Residence Life application and submit a deposit before applying to the BLC. Students will be assigned to Lynch Hall upon acceptance into the program. Housing and Residence Life coordinates specific roommate assignments, and all roommates must be BLC participants.

One focus of the Business Learning Community is to help students, from their very first moment on campus, develop skills to be polished and ready for life after graduation. We accomplish this together through the following professional development opportunities: 
  • Students engage in exploring their strengths through the Clifton Strengths assessment;
  • learn leadership practices in partnership with the BB&T Emerging Leaders Certificate; 
  • create community through team-building activities;
  • practice dining etiquette at an annual etiquette dinner, featuring professionals from the Charlotte community;
  • explore many functional areas of business by going on site at companies and organizations;
  • and learn best practices through guest speakers and professional panels.

   

(Left) BLC students engage in team building through high and low ropes activities; (Right) BLC students learn about entrepreneurship and financial technology from co-founder Chris Elmore ('93) while on site at AvidXchange

 

LEARN MORE:

Have specific questions about the Business Learning Community? Please tell us more about how you'd like to connect with us by filling out an interest form.

 

Business Learning Community Contact 

 

Jessica DavisRoston Shore
Assistant Director of Professional Development and BLC Coordinator
Friday 312 A
704-687-7568
rshore12@uncc.edu