Santa Clara University

Santa Clara offers an integrated academic program that strives to educate the whole person. Residential Learning communities integrate living space with learning environments. Linked courses connect themes and ideas across continents and through centuries. Co-curricular activities blend the thriving intellectual community at SCU with its vibrant social life. And community-based learning programs integrate classroom work with innovative projects in social justice. All of your experiences at Santa Clara will support and enhance each other, encouraging rigorous and imaginative scholarship.

Residential Learning Communities

As you take your place in Santa Clara's community of scholars, you also will become a member of one of the University's theme-based Residential Learning Communities (RLCs). Whatever your major, whether or not you live on campus, you will be a part of an RLC that matches an intellectual interest you have—whether that be in the arts, the environment, multiculturalism, or faith and justice, to name just a few of the possibilities. In your RLC, you will take courses with students who live with you. This will allow you to carry the discussion of ideas beyond the classroom, participate in theme-based co-curricular activities, and interact on a regular basis with faculty, staff, and students, both academically and socially. Each RLC is a true community, bringing together students with a wide range of talent from a variety of disciplines.

Ethics

SCU's educational program is founded on the Jesuit tradition of integrating rigorous academics with ethical values, so that those values may be put into practice. In fulfilling the Core Curriculum requirements, you will take ethics courses that will challenge you to ask questions, reflect on differing points of view, and clarify your own beliefs about the world.

In addition, the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics helps faculty members in a wide range of disciplines weave ethical issues and questions into the classroom experience. The center also brings renowned ethicists to campus and sponsors conferences that support in-class discussions.

Community-Based Learning

Santa Clara is committed to educating students who will engage with, learn from, and give back to their community. As part of SCU's academic program, you may integrate the classroom with the community through hands-on learning experiences. If you are an English major, you may find yourself documenting oral histories or tutoring adults. If you are interested in law, you may end up working with a center that provides free legal services. No matter what your major, SCU's emphasis on community-based learning will provide you with meaningful opportunities to help others while enhancing your academic experience and broadening your perspective.

Through the Pedro Arrupe, S.J., Program for Community-Based Learning, you can take academic courses enriched by social service placements or participate in immersion trips in which reflection is combined with community engagement.

Leadership

The SCU Center for Student Leadership is dedicated to helping you develop your leadership capabilities. The center prepares students to be informed, educated leaders through a variety of programs, including leadership courses and workshops, nationally recognized guest lecturers, and specialized training.