FAQ's

What's up?!!!! So I thought in between watching episodes of The Office and Arrested Development I would take some time to blog today! Wahooo! Exciting, I know. I know a lot of people have questions about the institute, so hopefully this blog can serve as a forum to enhance your knowledge! Let's see here...I guess I'll just list some FAQ's, because I can't think of a witty transition, the answers are a combination of the online brochure and my own thoughts:

• What is SII? - The St. Ignatius Institute (SII) offers an integrated liberal arts curriculum in which the primary curricular threads - history, literature, philosophy and theology - are organized to follow an historical sequence. The Institute is designed for those who want the solid foundation of a Catholic liberal arts education in the Jesuit tradition...Basically it's a chance for you to study the classics and develop yourself further as a person (not a bad deal)
• Do you have to be Catholic?- NO!! I'm not Catholic and I'm in the institute! While there is Mass on Tuesdays, it is optional (but speaking from a non-Catholic, never-been-to-mass-before-college viewpoint, it's a very nice, intimate service that adds to the overall experience). The important thing is to have an open mind and a desire to learn.
  
• Is SII a major? - No, The Institute's program does not comprise a "major." Instead, it is an alternative core curriculum substituting SII classes for the University's core in all areas except mathematics and science. To complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, each Institute student must also complete one of the majors offered by the University, as well as any additional courses required by specific undergraduate colleges. Institute students are enrolled in majors from all sections of the University: science, business, nursing, humanities, and social sciences. With few exceptions, students are able to complete the SII program and a major within four years.
• How are SII classes different?- A unique feature of this program is the seminar/lecture combination. Each semester, a seminar deals with a specific curricular area and time frame through the discussion of pertinent great books and their authors. Concurrently, the same area is systematically treated in a lecture course. All SII courses incorporate primary sources as much as possible. This is an academically challenging course of study geared towards students who want a rigorous academic college experience while living and studying in a community. The Institute also sponsors lectures for the wider University community on topics of contemporary importance... personally my favorite part of the institute is the seminar style classes (wahoo, I can only take sooo much lecture, and the small size, it's great to really get to know your professor and have discussions with your peers.
  
• Do you have to live on the floor?- Nope, while it is encouraged for students to live on the SII floor (2nd floor Phelan) it is not required. In addition to SII being a particular academic course of study, it is a residential learning community within the University. Students enrolled in the SII are invited to live on the SII floor in one of the residence halls. In addition to the advantage of living with students who are taking the same classes as oneself, this community comes together once a week for an evening of reflection, dinner, and fun. Other aspects of the residential living community include the students performing community service activities together, attending social events and outings, and having opportunities for prayer and reflection. All aspects of the residential living community of SII are optional but are encouraged as ways to integrate the academic and social aspects of the collegiate experience.

I hope this helps with your questions! SII truly is an excellent experience and I would not trade it for the world. It changed my college experience for the better, the classes are illuminating, the professors fascinating, and the people you meet will be by your side in and out of class for the long haul.

Adios,
Kailey