University Programs

Consisting of the parts of our curriculum that are not encompassed in any of the discipline-based Schools, University Programs includes Freshman Studies, Cultural Foundations, The Capstone Course . and the Honors Program. The Dean of University Programs coordinates planning for and administration of these areas and assists undergraduate students in resolving academic issues involving University Programs that they have not been able to solve with the assistance of area directors.

	Dr. Marianne Hopper Dean, University Programs Office: Holy Cross Hall G25 Phone: 512-448-8551 marianh@admin.stedwards.edu
	Jennifer Johnson Assistant Dean, University Programs Office: Holy Cross Hall G-26 Phone: 512-637-5648 jennj@stedwards.edu
	David Thompson Senior Secretary, University Programs Office: Holy Cross Hall G-26 Phone: 512-448-8720 davidat@admin.stedwards.edu

Freshman Studies
Freshman Studies introduces students to intellectual or academic life at St. Edward’s and provides a foundation for later courses, particularly courses in the General Education curriculum.  In order to introduce students to the liberal arts tradition and to make new arrivals feel a part of the community of learners on this campus, all Freshman Studies sections seek to achieve a sense of common learning outcomes.

Cultural Foundations
Cultural Foundations consists of the six Cultural Foundations courses. Within the 57-hour general education requirement for traditional undergraduates is the 18-hour requirement in Cultural Foundations. The purpose of these six required courses is to help students develop a balanced understanding and appreciation for their own and other cultures.

	Lynn Rudloff Director, Freshman Studies Assistant Professor, School of Humanities Office: Sorin Hall 111 Phone: 512-428-1317 lynnr@admin.stedwards.edu
	Dr. Marianne Hopper Director, Cultural Foundations Dean, University Programs Office: Holy Cross Hall G25 Phone: 512-448-8551 marianh@admin.stedwards.edu

The Capstone Course
The Capstone course is the crowning achievement of a student’s educational career at St. Edward’s. This course provides students with an opportunity to showcase the skills that they have mastered during their college career.

The Honors Programs
The Honors Programs provides academically talented and highly motivated students with superior educational opportunities which challenge their abilities. Selected from diverse backgrounds and majors, honors students should possess broad scholarly interests, enthusiasm for learning, imagination and creativity, and a solid academic record.

	Susan Loughran Director, The Capstone Course Professor, School of Humanities Office: Andre 306 Phone: 512-448-8490 susanl@admin.stedwards.edu
	Barbara Filippidis Director, Honors Program Professor, School of Humanities Office: Sorin Hall 217 Phone: 512-448-8558 barbaraf@admin.stedwards.edu