The CAS Inquire program builds around a college-wide series of public lectures centering on a new theme each year. A touchstone for the college, the talks give students, staff, and faculty a focal point and shared topic for conversations and further inquiry.
This selective program offers high-performing students opportunities to talk with college thought leaders, connect with other inquisitive students, and engage important ideas. During the three-year program, CAS Inquire students will play a leadership role in planning, organizing, and facilitating the program in future years and will enjoy additional benefits.
THE 2025-2026 THEME
Uncertainty
All talks will be in the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center, Ubuntu Room/202, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Oct. 7
Lisa Kort-Butler
Sociology
“Haunted: Uncertainty, Insecurity, and Fear of Crime”
Jan. 27
Luis Othoniel Rosa
Modern Languages (Spanish)
“Other Futures: Poetic Uncertainty in the Age of the Algorithm”
Zoom RegistrationFeb. 24
Stephen Lahey
Classics and Religious Studies
“Holy Agnosticism”
Previous Themes
War, Peace, and Reconciliation
2024-2025
Sustainable Futures
2023-2024
Searching for Common Ground in a Polarized World
2022-2023
Pleasure and Pain
2021-2022
Rise of the Machines
2019-2020
Possible Future Themes: Civil Discourse, Monsters and the Monstrous...?
What Program Participants Do
After applying or being nominated as a freshman:
Sophomores
Take a 1-credit class both fall and spring built around the CAS Inquire lecture series:
- Read and discuss an article based on the upcoming lecture one week
- Attend the public lecture the next week
- Discuss the topic with the speaker the week after the lecture.
Juniors
Take “Inquire Inspires,” a mini-course offered as a weekend retreat in the fall:
- Facilitate small group conversations
- Reflect on talking about the interdisciplinary experiences you have had and choosing what to do next
- Take first steps toward preparing for job searches or applying to professional or graduate school
Serve as a discussion leader in the class or member of the planning committee for the next lecture series.
Seniors
Take “Whole-life living,” a mini-course in which members of Lincoln- and Omaha-based civic organizations talk about finding your communities in your next step after college and making your next address home by taking a role in the community.
Anticipate and prepare for what you will need and want in your next step.
Serve as a discussion leader in the class or member of the planning committee for the next lecture series.
Additional Benefits
A junior year dinner with the dean and a student invited faculty guest
A senior year brunch with their family and a faculty guest
A thesis writing group starting spring of junior year to support students' distinction projects
A one-time stipend to attend a national conference or education abroad experience
How to Apply
The application and nomination forms are closed. Please check back.