Arrupe Seminar on the Foundations and Vision of Jesuit Education
The Arrupe Seminar on the Foundations and Vision of Jesuit Higher Education is a 15-session seminar for faculty and staff at Seattle University to explore the Society of Jesus and Jesuit education over the course of an academic year. Facilitated by a lay faculty member and administrator, Seminar topics include the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Ignatian spirituality, Jesuit education and Ignatian pedagogy, the Jesuit commitment to a faith that does justice, and inter-religious dialogue. Jesuits and other guests present at various sessions on topics of expertise. Advance readings are an expected part of the preparation for each session.
The Seminar is designed to promote:
1. Understanding of the Jesuit educational tradition and of the Jesuits.
2. Application of what one learns and assimilates to carrying out one’s role at the University.
3. Commitment to contributing to the tradition from one’s own background and positionality.
4. A sense of community and connection among colleagues across colleges, schools and divisions across campus.
Arrupe Seminar FAQs:
1. Who is eligible?
All faculty, staff and administrators are welcome to participate.
2. What is the seminar about?
The Seminar brings together an interdisciplinary community of colleagues to explore the foundations and vision of Jesuit education. Through readings, presentations and discussions, Seminar participants learn about the origins of Jesuit education, the tradition of personal and communal discernment, Ignatian spirituality, the Jesuit commitment to justice, the key role of lay women within Jesuit ministries, and the relevance of the Jesuit heritage to the challenges and possibilities facing Seattle University today.
3. What background does one need to take the Seminar? Do participants have to be religious?
The Seminar welcomes participants of any or no faith background, atheists, and all seekers. As participants explore the spirituality of the Jesuits, they do so in order to understand the foundations of Jesuit education, with a lens toward uncovering the mysteries of the human experience.
4. How many sessions are there and how long does the Seminar last?
The Seminar consists of fifteen 90-minute sessions (roughly every 2 weeks) over the academic year. Many former participants have expressed gratitude for this length of time to engage fully with Seminar themes and to get to know one another over time.
5. What does it cost?
There is no cost. Participants will be provided with reading materials and with refreshments during meetings (breakfast on Tuesday mornings and lunch on Wednesdays).
6. How much preparation is needed for each session?
Participants are invited to read or review materials as they are able, which typically require about 20-30 minutes per session.
7. What are the days and times of the sessions and who are the facilitators?
The Seminar offers two sections: one on Tuesday mornings from 8:30 – 10 am (breakfast available at 8:15) and one on Wednesday afternoons from 12:30-2pm (Lunch available at 12:15). The facilitators are Jen Tilghman-Havens and Yancy Dominick; several members of the Arrupe Jesuit Community are presenters, as are other local experts.
What former participants have said:
“This is a singular experience. All new employees at Seattle University should be invited to consider participating in Arrupe Seminar.”
“I have never worked at a place that wants to invest so much in me… Now I really know about our mission and values so that I am more effective when I talk with potential students in our program.”
“Participating in Arrupe Seminar has confirmed that I’m working in the right place at the right time.”
“As a result of Arrupe Seminar, I reformatted my lectures for my course to include reflection in my syllabus.”
“I am an alum of the University and have worked here for two years, but this Seminar really brought it all together for me.”
Please feel free to reach out to Jen Tilghman-Havens (tilghman@seattleu.edu) or Yancy Dominick (dominick@seattleu.edu) with questions.