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 2024-2025 THEME
War, Peace, and Reconciliation
All talks will be in the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center, Ubuntu Room/202, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Sept. 10
"Bargaining for War: Explaining the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza Wars"
Ross Miller
Political Science
Oct. 8
Nov. 12
"How Evolutionary Biology Helps Us Understand Human Conflict and Cooperation"
Clay Cressler
Biological Sciences
Jan. 28
Feb. 25
"'Hitler’s Children': Germany’s Reckoning with its Nazi Past"
Gerald Steinacher
History
Previous Themes
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
Apply to the program as a first-year student.
Nominate, or provide a reference for, a student.