Directions
The Directions Learning Community consists of first-year students enrolled in the undergraduate majors of event management and hospitality management. Through common classes, social opportunities, field trips, community service work, and more students are able to meet others in their major and feel connected to their major early on at Iowa State.
Majors Eligible to Join
All first-year students in event management and hospitality management
Housing
This is a non-residential learning community. (This means, students can live anywhere and participate.)
Classes
Students in the Directions Learning Community have the option of taking common classes together. These courses typically include:
- AESHM 111X. Professional Development (REQUIRED)
- AESHM 111L. Orientation, Careers, and Learning Community (Required)
- ENGL 150. This is a special section of the course specifically for Event and Hospitality majors. Some assignments will be integrated with topics learned in the event and hospitality industry.
- HSP M 101. Hospitality Management. (REQUIRED)
- EVENT 271. Introduction to Event Management. (For event management majors.)
- FS HN 167. Human Nutrition.
- SOC 134. Introduction to Sociology
How to Sign Up
To get the most from your experience, join the learning community during your first-year orientation.
Peer Mentors
Each year the learning community has 2-3 peer mentors who are sophomores, juniors, or seniors in event management and/or hospitality management. Peer mentors come to AESHM 113 regularly and participate in and even lead class discussion. They act as another resource on campus for students—giving advice, suggestions, and support. In addition to this, peer mentors also plan social opportunities, educational events, and study sessions for the learning community participants.
Aleah
Class: Junior
Major: Event Management
About me: Hi, my name is Aleah Anderson and I am a junior majoring in event management. I am originally from Waukee, Iowa. I am an active member of the Delta Zeta sorority, and am also involved with TREND which is an on campus club. One of my favorite foods to eat is hot wings!
Alexis
Class: Senior
Major: Event Management
About me: My name is Alexis Nelson and I am going to be a senior in Event Management. I am originally from Ottumwa, Iowa but I love to call Ames home now! I have had two internships, one with the Iowa Cubs and the second one with Drake University for the Drake Relays. I am involved with Up ’til Dawn and Sustainapalooza. I love being adventurous, baking and hanging out with friends!
Claire
Class: Senior
Major: Event Management
About me: Hi, my name is Claire! I am an Event Management major with minors in Child, Adult and Family Services, and Public Relations. I am from Omaha Nebraska and am an avid believer that Nebraska corn is better than Iowa corn. When I am not in class or on campus I love to watch Netflix or Hulu. My current obsessions are The Great, 30 Rock, Schitt’s Creek, and any movie where you can accurately guess the ending within the first 10 minutes. I say “soda” not “pop”. I am most excited to be a peer mentor for the opportunity to meet new people and share my experiences and tricks to success at Iowa State!