This Fall Semester, freshmen from all University of Southern Indiana colleges will have the unique opportunity to participate in the “Renaissance Challenge,†encouraging them to meet new people and do things they have never done before with the help from faculty, community members and local organizations.
The challenges this year include performing 10 minutes of stand-up comedy, calculating and reducing your carbon footprint, completing mental health first aid training and becoming a philanthropist. The goals for the “Renaissance Challenge†are lifelong learning-based, focused on acquiring practical skills, learning about different cultures, exploring the community, global awareness and staying informed.
Each challenge includes resources and special events to inspire and inform students about their chosen challenge. For example, Lindsay Locasto, President of the Henderson Chamber of Commerce and co-founder of 7 Sisters, an opioid awareness non-profit organization, will speak to students about being a philanthropist and making a positive impact in the community.
Each semester, students are asked to complete two of the four challenges and submit a self-reflection. Students who complete four challenges in the Fall and the Spring will be invited to a recognition dinner in May where their projects will be showcased.
The kick-off event will be held in the Labyrinth outside of the Liberal Arts Center during the Fall Student Involvement Fair from 2-5 p.m. Wednesday, August 30.
