Students in Huff Concert Hall

The Methodist University campus is receiving an extra spark to kick off the 2024-25 academic year, thanks in part to fresh and exciting programming from CIRCUIT.

Students get ice cream in the QuadThe Methodist University campus is receiving an extra spark to kick off the 2024-25 academic year, thanks in part to fresh and exciting programming from CIRCUIT.

CIRCUIT is a weekly gathering (Wednesdays at 11 a.m.) for the MU community that offers multiple engaging events in the areas of education, inspiration, and community. Ultimately, the goal is to help students, faculty, staff, and friends elevate their skills, broaden their perspectives, and nurture their inner growth.

This year, as an extension of New Student Orientation, Methodist University is unveiling a new CIRCUIT series called “First Five”, which will allow new MU students to spend the first five CIRCUIT sessions of the fall semester gathering knowledge, relationships, and tools they need to thrive during their time as a Monarch.

“We are excited to introduce the ‘First Five’ series,” said Rev. Dr. Kelli Taylor, vice president of Mission Integration & Student Well-Being and University chaplain. “CIRCUIT generates energy around meaning and purpose through collaboration and intersection, taking a 360-degree approach to life that acknowledges how our spiritual, academic, and social dimensions work together to strengthen us as whole persons.”

While CIRCUIT’s “First Five” is important for incoming students to attend, the programming is open to all students, faculty, staff, and friends. The series (simplified schedule below) will include tips on being “all-in”, packing meals for those in need, getting the scoop on well-being resources, how to stand up and speak out, and working together (Convocation).

“The goal of freshman year is to push yourself to branch out and experience opportunities that can expand your beliefs and knowledge,” said Grace Hobbs, a senior majoring in Elementary and Special Education. “CIRCUIT gives you that chance to connect with others around campus on various topics that can challenge you to grow throughout the year.”

Students attend a Lunch and Learn ProgramFollowing the “First Five” series, CIRCUIT will continue to offer programming on exciting topics like heritage months, emotional intelligence, digital archiving, creativity and freedom, economics, and much more. Since CIRCUIT typically offers a choice of two programs each week, there is also a University chapel service (Hensdale Chapel) geared towards students looking for a more traditional religious service that focuses on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Below is a simplified version of the CIRCUIT schedule for the upcoming fall semester showing date, event title, and missional value. For more details and up-to-date information (including speaker and location information) for each event, visit the Events Calendar.

August

  • 21:
    • “All In with the Alums” (First Five, Community)
    • “University Chapel Service: Making the Most of Time” (Inspiration)
  • 28:
    • “Rise Against Hunger” (First Five, Community)
    • “University Chapel Service: The Importance of a Good Meal” (Inspiration)

September

  • 4:
    • “Get the Scoop on Well-Being” (First Five, Community)
    • “University Chapel Service: Making Yourself (and Others) Well” (Inspiration)
  • 11:
    • “Stand Up, Speak Out!” (First Five, Community)
    • “University Chapel Service: Bystander Intervention” (Inspiration)
  • 18:
    • “Convocation by Dr. Derek Greenfield” (First Five, Community)
  • 25:
    • “DEI Lunch and Learn: Hispanic Heritage Month” (Community, Education)
    • “University Chapel Service: Reputation (Taylor’s Version)” (Inspiration)

October

  • 2:
    • “Executive Functioning: Tips and Strategies for Success” (Education)
    • “University Chapel Service: World Communion Day: Radical Acceptance” (Inspiration)
  • 9:
    • “Emotional Intelligence” (Community, Education)
    • “University Chapel Service: The Salting Fire” (Inspiration)
  • 16:
    • “Creativity and Freedom” (Inspiration, Community, Education)
  • 23:
    • “DEI Lunch and Learn: Global Diversity Awareness Month” (Community, Education)
    • “University Chapel Service: What and Who Identifies” (Inspiration)
  • 30:
    • “PDA: Personal Digital Archiving” (Community, Education)
    • “University Chapel Service: The G.O.A.T. and the Kingdom” (Inspiration)

November

  • 6:
    • “Faith and Knowledge: Approaches to Religious and Secular Education in Islam and Christianity” (Community, Education)
    • “University Chapel Service: All Saints Day Observance” (Inspiration)
  • 13:
    • “DEI Lunch and Learn: Native American Heritage Month” (Community, Education)
    • “University Chapel Service: Hope” (Inspiration)
  • 30:
    • “Can Money Buy Happiness?” (Education)
    • “University Chapel Service: ‘Bless the Lord, O My Soul” (Inspiration)