SEE THE WORLD THROUGH ANYTHING-IS-POSSIBLE EYES
Valparaiso University is home to the third oldest honors college in the nation, Christ College – The Honors College. Its unique interdisciplinary curriculum is carefully structured to develop independent critical thinking and to encourage a sense of vocation and service. And whatever your major or career path, the opportunity to be a Christ College Scholar will enrich your education and life.
THE FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE
From day one, Christ College Scholars are immersed in an inquisitive community eager to take action. Together with your classmates, you’ll embark on a twosemester exploration of what it means to be human and how to approach questions of community, ethics, and justice. Through small seminars, students hone their skills in critical thinking, reasoned discussion, and written expression about what matters most in life.
valpo.edu/christcollege
FAST FACTS
– Nearly 100 students join the honors college community each year
– Class sizes range from 10-18 scholars per course
– Close to 40% of Christ College students study abroad
– More than 99% of 2020-2022 graduates have secured employment or enrolled in graduate school within nine months of graduation
“CC teaches you that sometimes the best discussions leave you with more questions. It’s those concepts that you leave with that stick with you, that challenge your thinking, that can help you challenge someone else.”
– Eseosasere Okundaye ’20 Christ College
Majors: Political science/pre-law, social work
THE FIRST-YEAR PRODUCTION
Hailed by many as one of the most memorable parts of their entire undergraduate experience – and one of the most fun – is the long-standing Christ College First-Year Production. It is described by graduates far and wide as an invaluable experience in teamwork and creativity.
In the weekly drama workshop during the fall semester, students spend 10 weeks collaborating, writing, staging, and performing an original 90-minute theatrical piece with music. The First-Year Production is inspired by ideas and themes encountered in class and texts covered in the First-Year Program, and is performed for the campus community each year. Being able to add theatrical producer to your resume before even finishing a year of college? Only at Valpo.
THE OXFORD DEBATES
After the curtains close on your first-year production, CC scholars prepare for the Christ College Oxford Debates. Through in-class discussion, written assignments, and regular feedback from mentors, you’ll hone your skills in communication and persuasion. These debates enable first-year students to apply their emerging academic skills, critical analysis, and oral argument to significant, contemporary public issues.
Each spring, student teams debate international issues, national concerns, regional matters, and campus topics in traditional Oxford-style debates. After the closing speeches, the moderator instructs those in the audience to leave through doors marked “PRO” and “CON” to cast their vote. Participation in these debates will inspire you to think boldly, act with conviction, and to address the problems of today while getting a jump on the problems of tomorrow.
A VALPO EDUCATION
At Valpo, you receive a comprehensive, rigorous education within the liberal arts tradition, learning to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems creatively. Our committed faculty invests in the success of students both in and out of the classroom, providing you the individualized attention and guidance fundamental to reaching your full potential.
Christ College is where future engineers and nurses share a table with future musicians and accountants. With expert faculty and mentors guiding you, you will be able to excel not only in your major, but in life as well, learning to balance the challenging yet fulfilling demands of coursework, extracurriculars, and Christ College, all at the same time! With a Valpo degree, you’ll get the job. And with a Christ College experience, you’ll find your vocation.
We’ve compiled all the pertinent information about Christ College – including the first-year experience, courses, and faculty – on our website. Ready to learn more? Get started at valpo.edu/christcollege.
“Another thing that lured me to Christ College was the First-Year Production. Getting to create that from scratch with complete strangers was pretty cool.”
– Dakota Kampmeier ’22 Christ College
Major: Nursing