learning community question

Hi! I’m a first year student who has recently attended orientation.

I was very much under the impression that learning communities were optional, but to my understanding it seems that UCR has changed their policies so that all CHASS first year students (I’m a psychology major) join one this year
Are learning communities just for a single quarter or are they for a full year? And if it is for a whole year, is there anyway I can possibly get out of joining one?
I personally don’t feel like I would benefit from a learning community, but I’m all ears in hearing what everyone has to say about them. Thanks!