CHRIST COLLEGE
First-Year Experience
SEE THE WORLD THROUGH ANYTHING-ISPOSSIBLE 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. 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 two-semester 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.
Fast Facts • Around 70 students join the honors college community each year • Class sizes range from 10-16 scholars per course • More than 99% of 2024 graduates have secured employment or enrolled in graduate school within nine months of graduation
Learn More 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/christ-college.
THE FIRST-YEAR PRODUCTION
A VALPO EDUCATION
Hailed by many as one of the most memorable parts of their undergraduate experience — and one of the most fun — is the Christ College First-Year Production. It is described by graduates as an invaluable experience in leadership, teamwork, and creativity.
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 engineers and nurses share a table with 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
In the weekly drama lab during the fall semester, students spend 12 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 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 firstyear students to apply their academic skills, critical analysis, and oral arguments to significant, contemporary public issues. With a “research first, argue later” approach, students delve deep into international, national, local, and campus topics of significance before dividing into teams. 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 address the problems of today while getting a jump on the problems of tomorrow.
Valparaiso University admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religion. (For a full statement, see valpo.edu.)
the challenging yet fulfilling demands of coursework, extracurriculars, and community, 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.
“What [made] Christ College special for me is that, yes, you’re going to go get your major from whatever other college, but Christ College is teaching you how to live a good life, how to actually make a difference in your career. It’s one thing to have a degree; it’s another to have a degree and be able to actually do something with that degree that’s meaningful for society.”
JAC K C O LW E L L ’ 2 5
CHRIST COLLEGE SCHOLAR MAJORS: GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Valparaiso University Valparaiso, IN 46383 phone: 219.464.5431 web: valpo.edu email: undergrad.admission@valpo.edu