> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ismms-md-program.gitbook.io/career-and-professional-development/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ismms-md-program.gitbook.io/career-and-professional-development/overview-of-resources/the-ascend-learning-community.md).

# The ASCEND Learning Community

## The Goal of the Learning Community

To enhance the learning experience for students and for faculty. They offer these core features:​

* A sense of membership​
* A sense of personal influence ​
* Fulfillment of individual needs​
* Shared events and emotional connections​

## Learning Community Members

Career Advisors, Wellness Advisors, Peer Advisor and Clinical Competency Mentors all serve a different purpose with a common goal to help you reach your full potential while at ISMMS.&#x20;

* **Career Advisors**: More Information Found [Here](/career-and-professional-development/overview-of-resources/glossary-of-terms.md) and [Here](/career-and-professional-development/overview-of-resources/meet-the-team/career-advisors.md)
* **Wellness Advisors**:[ More Information Found Here](/career-and-professional-development/overview-of-resources/glossary-of-terms.md)
* **Peer Advisors**: [More Information Found Here](/career-and-professional-development/overview-of-resources/glossary-of-terms.md)
* **Clinical Competency Mentors (CCM)**: More Information Found [Here](/career-and-professional-development/overview-of-resources/glossary-of-terms.md) and [Here](https://ismms-md-program.gitbook.io/medical-student-handbook/academic-information-and-resources/ascend-curriculum-overview/clinical-competency-mentor-program)

## How are Learning Communities Created?

### Advisor Groups and Learning Communities

When students begin their journey at ISMMS they are assigned to an Advisor Group.&#x20;

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**Advisor Groups include:**

* 1 Career Advisor- a physician in any specialty
* 1 Wellness Advisor- a Clinical Social Worker
* at least 1 Peer Advisor- a Scholarly Year or 4th Year Medical Student
* 12-15 medical students per cohort (M1-M4)
  {% endcolumn %}

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<figure><img src="https://653815021-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FxFxPSKn8JLypnZ6woWE3%2Fuploads%2FY8Trve7dbYp9JYA2lrkb%2Fadvisor%20group.PNG?alt=media&amp;token=23deb43a-9b8e-4e9f-a2ae-bf2a3f3f9cfe" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
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***

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Two Advisor Groups are combined with three Clinical Competency Mentors **to create a Learning Community**. Each Clinical Competency Mentor has 8-9 medical students per cohort from the two Advisor Groups to form their CCM group.&#x20;
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<figure><img src="https://653815021-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FxFxPSKn8JLypnZ6woWE3%2Fuploads%2FpWRV7qYS8A5P1RvvUSJM%2FLearning%20Community.PNG?alt=media&amp;token=7f0129bf-77cc-469b-adaf-0ac1e1576d75" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
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