A New Academic Experience for a New Generation

HU reworks core curriculum for a more flexible and impactful academic experience

HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University is unveiling a fully revised academic experience for all undergraduate students. What is commonly referred to as the “core curriculum” or “general core” at colleges and universities has a fresh design at Huntington called Forester Foundations.

Forester Foundations continues Huntington University's historic mission: to educate and equip men and women to impact the world for Christ through scholarship and service. While the structure has evolved, the foundation remains the same — distinctively Christian, intentionally integrative and grounded in the liberal arts. Through Forester Foundations, students are not only prepared for their careers but also called to live lives of purpose, creativity, discovery and flourishing.

“The Huntington University faculty have worked over the past two years to design and develop a new core curriculum for a new generation of students,” said Dr. Luke Fetters, vice president for academic affairs. “Forester Foundations provides a common academic experience that will define the undergraduate curriculum as Christian, interdisciplinary and experiential.”

Forester Foundations consists of three elements: The Core Four (HU-distinctive interdisciplinary courses), General Education (highly transferable, wide range of disciplines) and Immersives (three curricular/co-curricular experiences for all HU students).

The Core Four consists of these four courses designed to build a campus community that understands people are God's creation, made intentionally and uniquely, not by accident (Ephesians 2:10).

• Created to Belong explores the concept of belonging in human relationships and helps students develop their God-given abilities to live faithfully, act justly and contribute to thriving communities
• Created to Create invites students to explore the intersection of divine beauty and human creativity through the study of Christian artists, authors, composers, filmmakers, musicians and poets
• Created to Discover enables students to explore the rich intersections between mathematical and scientific inquiry and Christian theology
• Created to Flourish explores what it means to truly flourish as human beings created in the image of God and examines how to cultivate a life that reflects wholeness in body, mind and spirit

General Education consists of nine courses that provide HU students with greater flexibility for credit transfer and even more space to pursue a double major, add a minor, earn a certificate, study abroad or get a running start in graduate school.

Immersives are hands-on experiences that broaden student perspectives in meaningful and practical ways. Students will complete an approved experience in each of the three immersive categories during their time at HU.

• Cultural Enrichment — can be fulfilled through designated classes, service-learning trips, multi-lingual competency or other co-curricular criteria
• Experiential Learning — can be fulfilled through internships, clinicals, practicums, service-learning trips, leadership roles on campus or other co-curricular criteria
• Creative Arts — can be fulfilled through designated classes or participation in music ensembles, theater productions, literary publications or other co-curricular criteria

Honors Program students will take a special section for each of the Core Four courses, as well as two special honors colloquium courses, a unique senior capstone experience and participate in honors program events.

“HU isn’t just about classes, it’s about discovering your purpose and the difference you’re meant to make,” said Susie Carr, vice president for enrollment and marketing. “With Christ at the center, our new Core Curriculum and Honors Program help you grow in faith, knowledge and character so you’re ready to lead and serve wherever life takes you. Please visit our campus to see what HU is all about.”

Additional information on Forester Foundations can be found at huntington.edu/Registrar/Core-Curriculum. Additional information on the Honors Program, including an Honors Interest Form, can be found at huntington.edu/Registrar/Honors.