Recognizing that each person brings a different set of gifts and abilities, the tutorial-based approach helps students realize their full potential. “Being in continuous contact with the students, we come to understand the best learning approach for each individual,” said Susan Ney, associate professor of art, who taught during the program’s first two years.
David Williams, Ph.D., associate professor, is in his second year teaching philosophy on site. He spoke about the blurred lines between academics and student life that occur during the semester. “We can look at the students’ whole semester experience and coordinate academic assignments, wilderness excursions, and trips to San Francisco art museums, so that each of these endeavors complements the other.”
Additionally, plenary, a lecture-style seminar, affords students the opportunity to learn from each subject offered on site, whether or not they are enrolled in the class. “This kind of environment allows the conversation that takes place in the classroom to continue,” said Williams.
“I remember when Dr. Flannery was teaching a class on Anselm. He gave the lecture and no one wanted to leave,” recalled Jared Tharp ’05, two-time participant in fall 2001 and fall 2004. “Everyone was so enthralled with what he was talking about; the conversation carried on to lunch and everyone sat around him while we ate. We continued to talk for hours afterward.”
More than a mountaintop experience, the High Sierra Semester seeks to transform students into scholars who love learning and seek God’s truth in all facets of life, whether hiking in the wilderness or riding a Metro train in the city.
“I want students to walk away from a semester at High Sierra and say, ‘That was one of the best experiences of my life,’ and ‘As a result of being there, I have grown a tremendous amount spiritually, academically, socially, and emotionally,’” said Simpson. And according to students, that is exactly what happens.
Allison Oster ’01, M.A. ’04, is the public relations manager in the Office of University Relations. aoster@apu.edu
Sheree Black ’02, M.A.R. ’06, is the senior web production specialist in the Office of University Relations. She was a 2001 participant in the High Sierra Semester. sblack@apu.edu
