While in Seattle for my conference, Seattle University welcomed many of us to campus with a wonderful breakfast, information session with several different presenters from across the university, and a tour of campus. The director of the newly revised core curriculum spoke to us at length. He said this is not a get-it-done and get-it-out-of-the-way core curriculum; rather think of it as a second major. It involves 13 courses over all 4 years, and they've gotten rid of all introductory survey courses. So this is not a distribution requirement model; all courses taken to need the core curriculum are actually designed for the core curriculum.

We were told that the new strategic plan emphasizes preparing students for the challenges of the world, specifically as it relates to racial and economic justice, the environment and climate, technology and society, and community engagement. Seattle University works on a quarter system, and they were very clear that with an 11-week quarter, the pace is unforgiving. But, with just oner 4000 undergraduates, this is also a place where students will be known in class. Many of the classes are seminar style and conversation based This is participation-based education.

The Director of Student Disability Services was very clear that families should understand what Seattle University can and cannot do for students with learning differences - accommodations received in high school because of an IEP will not necessarily be granted at Seattle University. Any prospective students with learning differences should absolutely call the Office of Disability Services before applying to inquire as to whether or not the university can support what that student needs. They are very happy to take these calls.

Seattle University defines itself as a Catholic Jesuit institution. And there's no doubt in my mind that the Jesuit values come through strong and clear. What confused me is that one of the presenters insisted that they are not Catholic, as as they are located in what he called "godless country." I'm sure he thought he was being amusing but to my mind, you cannot separate Catholic from Jesuit. And perhaps that was just one person's opinion, but I might want to ask a few more questions before sending practicing Catholics here in droves. He might not have been aware that there are as many blue Catholics as there are red Catholics, and in fact, many Catholics are purple. But I digress.

Located right on Capitol Hill, but with a defined, contiguous campus, Seattle University is a progressive institution in a progressive city and could be a wonderful choice for a student from anywhere in the country seeking a small, nurturing environment in an urban setting.