VUE: The Valparaiso University Experience

What is VUE?

VUE: The Valparaiso University Experience is a two-semester program (8 credits) required of all first-year students except those enrolled in the Christ College Freshman Program. VUE is designed to welcome and initiate new students into the Valparaiso University community, and into academic life generally, by putting them in dialogue with great teachers, great texts, and each other. Three days a week (50-minute sessions) or two days a week (75-minute sessions), students and their instructor explore values and voice with a focus on service and leadership. VUE Fieldwork, academic experiential learning, will enhance students’ sense of belonging and help connect them to campus life and beyond.

First-year students need particular skills to navigate the academic world and become successful students and global citizens. VUE is designed to help students develop necessary academic skills such as argumentative writing, close reading and critical thinking. Additionally, students will work to develop their discussion skills (both leading and participating) as well as presentation skills. Great opportunities also exist in the course for students to become more adept at retrieving, evaluating, and managing information, as they connect to the rest of the world through our electronic information services.

Contact Information

VUE Director
Dr. Lisa Jennings
Email: lisa.jennings@valpo.edu