Columbia College Chicago Caps Big Chicago Classes to Enhance Student Engagement
Columbia College Chicago has announced a new cap on enrollment for its Big Chicago first-year seminar courses, limiting most sections to 45 students. This change, effective from the upcoming fall semester, is part of an initiative to foster stronger connections among students and faculty. Previously, class sizes ranged from 45 to 200 students. The decision was influenced by logistical considerations, such as ease of navigating public transportation for field trips, and aims to enhance student engagement and academic success. The Big Chicago seminar is a core component of the Columbia College Chicago Experience (CCCX) curriculum, designed to introduce students to the city through interdisciplinary study and hands-on learning. The course offerings include topics like 'Curiosity in the City: Monsters, Marvels and Museums' and 'Chicago: The Global Metropolis.' While most classes will adhere to the new cap, exceptions will be made for co-taught courses, which may have larger enrollments.