FAQs
Why did Holy Cross develop Montserrat?
Montserrat was inspired by the success of the First-Year Program, which was established in 1992 and was offered to about 150 students each year. The Montserrat concept of a “universal” experience for all first-year students grew out of the College’s recent comprehensive curriculum review. It was adopted by vote of the Faculty Assembly (which includes representatives from Student Affairs, the Chaplain’s Office, the Library, and students) in the spring of 2006.
Montserrat gives every entering student a “jumpstart” on exploring intellectual life at Holy Cross. By participating in small, interdisciplinary seminars at the start of their college careers, students have the chance to interact closely with faculty, staff, and other students to create mentoring relationships that will grow stronger over their four years here. In addition to better integrating academic and social life, Montserrat provides intensive development in writing and speaking skills and ensures that students are engaging with serious intellectual and moral questions early in their time at Holy Cross.
Do I choose a seminar or a cluster?
You start by reviewing the dozens of seminars offered across all clusters. Identify several seminars that sound the most interesting to you, regardless of your academic or career plans. Keep in mind that all seminars and clusters are interdisciplinary and that the variety of seminars ensures that your cluster will have students with different majors, interests, and goals.
When do I choose?
Enrolling students access the list of seminars online and receive them in print format in early June. You select your preferences online in June and then receive your seminar assignment in early August. Because Montserrat seminar class size is small, you cannot be guaranteed your first choice.
Is a seminar one year-long course or two separate, one-semester courses?
Each Montserrat seminar extends over the entire year, but there might be a different emphasis from semester to semester. Some seminars are team taught by professors from different disciplines, alternating semesters and providing contrasting perspectives on a topic. For example, for a seminar in Global Society on environmental sustainability, the fall semester could be devoted to an exploration into energy conservation by a physics professor, while the spring semester, led by a religious studies professor, could focus on issues of stewardship. Many other seminars are taught as a year-long sequence by a single professor. The seminar descriptions available at registration make clear the format and structure of each course.
Do Montserrat seminars fulfill common area requirements?
Each Montserrat seminar is assigned a common area requirement designation as appropriate. No more than one Montserrat seminar can be counted toward fulfillment of the College’s common area requirements.
What sorts of activities are held in the residence halls, on campus, and off campus?
Out-of-classroom events and activities range from formal, structured programs (like lectures and trips) to informal, spur-of-the-moment conversations in the residence hall. These events are usually planned around the discussions taking place in the seminar, but they may evolve in different ways depending on student interests. Not all activities are academic – they can include everything from a brunch to a hike to a neighborhood clean-up. Because there are ample opportunities to engage in conversation about the issues and ideas raised in the classroom – in person as well as through online postings and chats – students, faculty, and mentors have the flexibility to shape new events and activities every semester.
Are there requirements about participating in the beyond-the-classroom Montserrat activities?
Because Montserrat connects living, learning, and doing, the expectation is that students will get the most out of their first year at Holy Cross by incorporating all three and participating in events and activities. Some outside lectures or field trips will be required as part of the seminar coursework. Other activities and events will be optional.