Beyond the Classroom Brochure - North Central College

N O I T A C U D E R U O Y E TA K

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

N O RT H C E N T R A LC O L L E G E.E D U/B E YO N D

WHAT MAKES NORTH CENTRAL CARDINALS UNIQUE? A l o t o f th i n gs , b ut at o u r c o re i s a ge n u i n e c u ri o s it y ab o ut th e wo r l d a ro u n d u s.

Here, your curiosity will be cultivated, your ideas challenged, and your confidence elevated.

At North Central, we understand the importance of taking your education beyond the classroom.

When we say beyond the classroom, we don’t just mean a cozy study lounge—we mean dynamic opportunities right here in Naperville, across Chicago and all around the world.

THE CLASSROOM IS ONLY THE STARTING POINT. WHERE WILL YOUR CURIOSITY TAKE

HONORS PROGRAM (PAGE 9)

STUDENT CLUBS (PAGE 7)

STUDY ABROAD (PAGE 3)

TRADITION AL CLASSRO OM

INTERNSHIPS (PAGE 6) NATIONAL FELLOWSHIPS (PAGE 6)

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CHICAGO TERM (PAGE 3)

WASHINGTON D.C. (PAGE 3)

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES (PAGE 6)

REDEFINING

L O CATIO N

Located in the ideal college town, you’ll be steps from Downtown Naperville and only a 30-minute train ride to Chicago. But our location is more than just a place to live and learn—our campus is a place to launch into innovative research, dynamic internships and exciting careers.

Calling North Central home will open the door for new and exciting possibilities­­— not just in Naperville and Chicago, but

all aro und the wo rld.

Study Abroad

Washington, D.C.

Taking your education global can be a transformative experience. At North Central, we encourage you to experience life in a culture beyond our national boundaries. With more than 50 programs around the world find which option best fits your major, budget or comfort zone. Our study abroad advisors will counsel you on the best options for your interests and field of study.

Through a partnership with the Washington Internship Institute, you can take professional exploration to new heights as you navigate the nation’s capital. The Washington program provides students an opportunity to get off campus and experience something entirely new. Our students have worked for organizations such as The Salvation Army, the Coalition for Smarter Growth, Vital Voices, the NortheastMidwest Institute and D.C. Law Students in Court. You can even receive supplemental funds to help pay for commuting costs, airfare and entertainment.

Chicago Term Dive into this academic immersion in one of the most culturally diverse, dynamic and renowned cities in the country. You’ll use Chicago as your classroom, performing research and completing internships that complement your major. You can choose to live in Chicago or catch the train located just two blocks from campus and commute from Naperville.

The New American College & University (NACU) Student Exchange Through the NACU Student Exchange, you can study away for a semester at another NACU campus. You’ll have access to the same quality of education but will explore a new campus and college experience. The program offers the opportunity for location-based internships and important hands-on learning. North Central students have studied at Belmont University in Tennessee and Manhattan College in New York.

northcentralcollege.edu/beyond

SUCCESS BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Participating in research, fellowships and internships speaks volumes about your abilities and aspirations—and future employers and graduate schools are listening. Exploring your major and academic interests beyond the classroom will equip you with the essential skills employers are seeking.

Research Opportunities

Regardless of your major, you can generate new knowledge and contribute innovative ideas through a variety of research opportunities. At North Central, we encourage students to expand the definition of research and explore new creative frontiers. You can enroll in an independent study or work one-on-one with a faculty member to conduct a guided research project. You can even apply for a paid summer research position to work alongside a professor in your discipline—an essential experience for students planning to attend graduate school. There are infinite opportunities to take your coursework beyond the classroom and delve deeper through research.

Research Conferences

With research comes the excitement of sharing your results with others. North Central hosts an annual on-campus symposium, the Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research, which provides a professional forum for you to gain experience and confidence presenting your research.

North Central also provides students up to $650 for travel expenses to present their research at off-campus conferences including the National Conference on Undergraduate Research and disciplinespecific regional and national conferences.

National Fellowships

If you are a student who thrives on academic excellence, you may be a strong candidate for one of several prestigious national fellowships. North Central students have received Fulbright Fellowships to teach or study in another country; Barry Goldwater Scholarships for outstanding student research in mathematics, the natural sciences or engineering; and National Science Graduate Research Fellowships to support graduate study. In fact, the U.S. State Department recently named North Central a Fulbright Top Producing Institution. Pursuing these fellowships takes dedication and hard work, but you won’t do it alone. North Central provides one-on-one mentoring for students interested in competing for these prestigious opportunities.

Richter Grants

The competitive Richter Grant provides students from all majors with the extraordinary opportunity to apply for grants of up to $5,000 supporting research projects that go beyond the regular curriculum. These grants make it possible for you to pursue ambitious independent studies and honors theses, travel to regions near and far, and conduct research that will prepare you for graduate school and professional life.

Internships

Internships are a great way to explore potential careers and put what you’ve learned into action through real-world experiences. North Central has a robust network of corporate partners and organizations across all industries who regularly seek our students for their internship programs. With Downtown Naperville located just steps from campus and Chicago just a short train ride away, there’s no shortage of opportunities for internships with leading global companies as well as boutique firms in every industry imaginable.

northcentralcollege.edu/beyond

NOT YOUR AVERAGE

STUDENT CLU B

TEDXNORTHCENTRALCOLLEGE

BREAKAWAY

TRAIL OUTFITTERS

Alumni, students and faculty share “ideas worth spreading� at this unique, licensed event designed to foster learning, innovation and wonder.

Breakaway offers service trips domestically and internationally.

Students step out of their comfort zone by immersing themselves in a new culture, unplugging from social media, making new friends and serving in a way that stretches their perspective.

TRAIL Outfitters offers a variety of outdoor adventure trips designed to enhance learning and leadership development. Trips can include backpacking, camping, canoeing, paddleboarding, snowshoeing, skiing, rock climbing and more.

Ready to get involved? With 75+ student clubs we have everything you’d expect from your college experience and maybe even a few things you didn’t know you wanted! And with numerous events and activities happening all of the time, there’s every opportunity to learn something new, make a new connection or to put your education into practice. Who knows—you may even find yourself chasing your curiosity with friends and faculty in Guatemala.

WONC RADIO STATION

ENACTUS

LIVING LEARNING COMMUNITIES

The award-winning, studentrun radio station WONC-FM 89.1 provides students working at the station the opportunity to work on equipment comparable to what they’d find at a professional radio station.

Students from all majors join the Enactus team to help small local and global entrepreneurs become financially sustainable. The team travels to Guatemala each year to nurture a cross-border partnership with Mayan weavers, potters and coffee bean farmers.

Living Learning Communities (LLCs) are specialized living environments centered on a distinctive theme or academic interest area. Students have a direct connection to their classroom experience, access to intentional events and dedicated staff members who work to make the community a success.

northcentralcollege.edu/beyond

WHERE TO START

It’s safe to say the opportunities to take your academic experience beyond the classroom are endless. As the author of your own education, you’re probably wondering “Where do I start?” The opportunities we’ve explored are available to all Cardinals, but if you’re interested in all these experiences you have to check out the North Central Honors Program!

The Honors Program is your one-stop-shop for all these experiences and more.

WHAT IS THE HONORS PROGRAM? The Honors Program is designed for students, like you, pursuing any major, interested in taking intellectual risks and engaging in rigorous and meaningful work. It is an opportunity to test and push your limits with the support of expert faculty and encouragement of fellow honors students.

WHAT MAKES THE HONORS PROGRAM UNIQUE? You will be surrounded and supported by students who also enjoy discovering new concepts, examining contemporary topics from different perspectives and working to become leaders in their fields. The program is designed for students with the motivation to make the most of their college experience.

HOW DOES THE HONORS PROGRAM FIT WITH MY MAJOR? The Honors Program is different from your high school honors or AP courses. Rather than taking an honors section of a chemistry or math class, honors courses at North Central are unique courses that will be spread out across semesters throughout the duration of your time here. The number of specific honors courses you take is fewer than the amount needed for a minor.

IS IT JUST MORE WORK? Definitely not! You will be supported by a community of high-achieving peers and professors who will sharpen your inquiry skills and help you achieve your goals. But we also have a lot of fun! We host social and cultural events designed to foster relationships and create lasting memories. Past events include: • Back to School Picnic to kick off the school year • Happy Hours after midterms each semester • Honor Salons at which faculty are invited to share their innovative research • Seasonal events: Fall Festival, Winter Formal Dance, Spring Banquet • Field Trips to Chicago

ANYTHING ELSE? As an honors student, you have the option to live in a residence hall only available to students in the Honors Program. We call this a “living learning community.” The living learning community provides access to faculty, study spaces and specialized social and cultural programs.

WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS? Contact your Admission Counselor and tell them you are interested in joining the Honors Program. They will walk you through the two-step application process: 1. Complete the application 2. Submit letter of recommendation from a teacher/ professor

WHAT IS THE HONORS THESIS? Your honors thesis is the capstone course for the Honors Program. You get the opportunity to work one-on-one with an expert faculty member on a project you design together. It might sound overwhelming, but it’s an incredible experience. You chart the course for this yearlong independent study. Past areas of research include: • Traditional research based on laboratory work • Analysis of a piece of art or a significant text in your field • Artistic performance • Experimental social science study • Extended business plan • Community-based research project with a local organization

northcentralcollege.edu/beyond

EXPLORE ALL THE WAYS YOU CAN TAKE YOUR EDUCATION BEYOND THE CLASSROOM.

northcentralcollege.edu/beyond