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.
Jan. 27
“Other Futures: Poetic Uncertainty in the Age of the Algorithm”
Luis Othoniel Rosa
Modern Languages (Spanish)
Feb. 24
“Holy Agnosticism”
Stephen Lahey
Classics and Religious Studies
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.