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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.
Content
Sept. 9
Ross Dixon
Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
“Navigating Uncertainty in Climate Projections: Scenarios, Simulations, and Earth's Complexity“
Oct. 7
Lisa Kort-Butler
Sociology
“Haunted: Uncertainty, Insecurity, and Fear of Crime”
Nov. 4
Ingrid Haas
Political Science
“The Political Psychology of Uncertainty: Implications for Decision Making and Democracy”
Jan. 27
Luis Othoniel Rosa
Modern Languages (Spanish)
“Other Futures: Poetic Uncertainty in the Age of the Algorithm”
Feb. 24
Stephen Lahey
Classics and Religious Studies
“Holy Agnosticism”
Content
2026-2027 Theme
The Future
of the Good Life
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 and Seniors
Continue to participate in the program by serving as:
- a discussion leader in the class or
- a member of the CAS Inquire Advisory Board.
Additional Benefit
A one-time funding to attend a national conference or education abroad experience. Application required.
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How to Apply
The application and nomination forms are closed. Please check back.