This selective program offers high-performing students opportunities to talk with college thought leaders, connect with other inquisitive students, and engage important ideas through an interactive and multidisciplinary series of public lectures and private seminars exploring emerging topics of broad societal interest.
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.
Contact the program's director, Dr. Taylor Livingston, for more information.
Why apply?
- Be a part of a distinctive group
- Think about important, contemporary issues from a variety of perspectives
- Enjoy special benefits
The Lecture Series
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.
The 2023-2024 Theme
Sustainable Futures?
All talks will be in the City Union, Swanson Auditorium, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Sept.
12
Oct.
10
Nov.
7
Jan.
30
Feb.
27
Mar.
26
The Previous
Events
- Searching for Common Ground in a Polarized World | 2022-2023
- Pleasure and Pain | 2021-2022
- Rise of the Machines | 2019-2020
Future themes may include
War, Peace, and Reconciliation • Civil Discourse • Monsters and the Monstrous
What to Expect
Once you have applied, or were nominated, as a freshman, here's what the program includes each year.
Sophomore
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.
Junior
Take “Inquire Inspires,” a mini-course offered as a weekend retreat in the fall. Develop skills such as:
- Facilitating small group conversations
- Reflecting on talking about the interdisciplinary experiences you have had and choosing what to do next
- Taking 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.
Senior
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 opportunities
CAS Inquire students will enjoy special events and benefits including:
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 as they develop their projects to submit for distinction
A one-time stipend to attend a national conference or education abroad experience
How to apply
Apply to the program as a first-year student.
Nominate, or provide a reference for, a student.