Students complete their studies as part of a student cluster group, composed of ten to fifteen individuals from a common environment or with a common interest - a particular geographic area or a school or college. The group uses the Fielding electronic network to communicate among themselves and with the wider Fielding and international scholarly communities. Through the many innovative resources available through Fielding's ELC program, students are able to remain in their communities and continue to pursue their professional careers.

Fielding is a powerful human network that is sustained by means of an electronic network as well as by periodic face-to-face interactions. Faculty members hold student cluster meetings in the region in which they are located and students are encouraged, though not required, to attend these monthly sessions. At semi-annual national sessions various learning opportunities such as seminars, workshops, and individual appointments with faculty are held. Semi-annual research sessions that focus on the key aspects of doctoral level research and offer support and guidance to students during the writing of their dissertations. These sessions are held in various locations in the United States and Canada.

Learning is work or context centered, and is designed to evolve on the basis of cohort and individual student needs. Studies are tailored to meet the specific interests, needs, goals and objectives that emanate from the context in which the cohort lives and operates.

Face-to-Face Opportunities
These are learning events that are not required but are offered to students. We believe that face-to-face interaction is important in the learning experience. We have also learned that students who take advantage of face-to-face opportunities both complete the program more efficiently and are more satisfied with their learning experience.

Cohorts
These regional groups are explained above. There is also a virtual cohort that serves the needs of students who live too far from a regional cohort to be involved on a regular basis. A list of clusters and their regional contacts is available for download (PDF).

Regional Research Intensives
Twice a year, ELC faculty hold weekend sessions that concentrate on the development of research skills. One session is held on the east coast and one on the west coast.

National Sessions
Every summer, the ELC community gathers for a national session. This is a week-long session (Monday through Saturday) that culminates in our graduation. At this session students and faculty study together in workshop sessions, hold dissertation community meetings, and are involved in a variety of learning settings. These sessions are specifically designed to move the students forward in their learning plan and dissertation research process.