Use these links to learn about:

• Entering the program
• Freshman Community
• Urban Project
• Companions Project
• Diversity of Students
• Freshman Courses
• Companion Courses
• Instructors
• Interdisciplinary Minor
• Community Service
• Community Nights
• After the Freshman Year
• Study Abroad
• About Faith
• Applying to the program

How do students enter the program?

There are two ways to enter the Micah Program: through our Freshman Community (which is a residential program for new students) and through our Companions Project (which is a nonresidential program for students already enrolled at the University).  Students interested in the Freshman Community must submit an application and brief essay.

What is the Freshman Community?

In the Freshman Community, students take special Micah sections of core courses integrated around issues of social justice and peace (two in the fall and at least one in the spring), perform at least 30 hours of community service each semester, and live on the Micah floors in Marguerite Hall.

Because the Micah students have earned special privileges, the freshmen live on a co-ed floor and interact with some of the Micah sophomores who live on the floors as mentors. Apply Now!

What is the Urban Project?

The Urban Project is a collaboration of the Micah Program and first-rate academic departments and programs at SLU that offer degrees dealing with urban problems. In addition to other Micah courses, students interested in the Urban Project take a one hour course, Exploring Urban Vocations, in the spring semester. Urban Project

What is the Companions Project?

Students who learn about the program after they have arrived at SLU can become involved by taking at least one course offered as part of the Micah Program's Interdisciplinary Minor in Urban Social Analysis. They perform 30 hours of service and are invited to attend Community Nights and other Micah events. Contact the Micah office for more information, micah@slu.edu.

What sorts of students are involved?

Men and women of all faiths and academic majors are welcome. They come from many geographic regions and pursue their studies in disciplines as diverse as Communication, Education, Engineering, Nursing, Pre-Medical Studies, Psychology, and more. Over 32 majors are represented.

What courses do the freshmen take?

During their first year at the University, Micah students enroll in at least three special sections of courses that satisfy the University's Core Curriculum requirements. Each term's offerings are coordinated to encourage interdisciplinary study and reflection.

What courses do the Companions take?

Students in the Companions Project take at least one course in urban problems at the 200, 300, or 400 level. For options see our Interdisciplinary Minor offerings.

Who teaches the courses?

Faculty working with our Freshman Community are chosen for their interest in problems of the American city, for their experience and effectiveness as teachers, and for their dedication to social equity, justice, and peace. 

What is the Interdisciplinary Minor in Urban Poverty Studies?

Whether or not students at the University have ever been in the Micah Program, they may pursue our interdisciplinary minor, which also provides students in the Freshmen Community and the Companions Project ways to continue their studies of poverty and problems in the American city.

Each semester, several courses that count toward the minor are taught in a variety of departments, from Philosophy and Public Policy Studies to Social Work and Theological Studies. For details see our minor's offerings.

 

What about Community Service?

To gain first-hand experience with the urban problems addressed in Micah courses, students in the Freshman Community, the Urban Project, and the Companions Project devote at least thirty hours a semester to community service.

The Program is grounded in personal relationships with underserved residents living in several fascinating but struggling neighborhoods near the University. By concentrating our service efforts in particular areas, we are able to learn a great deal about them and their problems and to form long-term partnerships with innovative community organizations.

We work closely with over a dozen nonprofit organizations in the inner-city. For example, some students help tutor children in reading and math at a public school. Others work in a church after-school program for children, or provide companionship to disabled and elderly adults, or tutor in a young-adult program for Hispanic immigrants.

Whatever the project, service based on faith and personal reflection is a vital part of the program. Assignments in Micah courses encourage students to bring their studies to bear on problems that they encounter in the neighborhood. Weekly Community Night meetings also allow time for less formal conversation, prayer, and reflection on urban problems.

What are Community Nights?

Micah freshmen gather once a week for about an hour in small groups with Micah Mentors or in large groups with their Campus Minister. Such evening meetings allow students to enjoy one another's company, to pray together, to discuss their work in the city, to listen to speakers related to their courses, and to enjoy social activities. 

What happens after freshmen finish their Micah courses?

Students are invited to continue their Community-Night activities together throughout their college careers. They are also encouraged to carry on their community service, exploring new opportunities, and acting as friends and mentors to new students in the program. Many also pursue our Interdisciplinary Minor in Urban Social Analysis.

Will I be able to study abroad?

Many Micah students choose to study abroad for a semester. For example, students in the Program have opportunities to study for a semester in Latin America, where they get to know the people and take classes on the challenges facing them. The aim is to understand the problems that lead many to immigrate to American cities. The University also offers many other study-abroad options available to Micah students.

What about faith?

Micah takes its guiding philosophy from the Judeo-Christian tradition. The program welcomes students of all faiths and all academic majors who wish to combine faith with study and community life with social action in that tradition.

How do I apply?

To take part in the Freshman Community, entering freshmen should apply before May 1 of their senior year in high school. Since participation is limited, we strongly urge students to apply as soon as possible. Applications received after May 1will be considered as places become available. Apply Now!

If you are an incoming Transfer student or want to become part of the Companions Project, students should contact Donald Stump, Director, or Debra Wilson, Program Coordinator.