Sewall Residential Academic Program

All residents are required to register for the following courses taught in Sewall:

• One three-credit course in the Fall
• One three-credit course in the Spring
• SEWL 2020: Civic Engagement for one-credit in either Fall or Spring

Participation in the academic program is mandatory for all Sewall Hall residents.  SRAP students also must agree to abide by the rules and policies of the program detailed on the Sewall Community Contract.

SRAP facilitates a successful transition from high school to the University.  Sewall courses are taught by faculty with a demonstrated excellence in teaching and a commitment to working closely with first-year students.  Faculty members have offices conveniently located in Sewall Hall, which helps foster communication between students and faculty.

The SRAP Director, Associate Director, and Program Assistant are readily available to help students with planning schedules, making sense of the rules of the University and the College of Arts & Sciences, and choosing majors.  We can refer students to other University resources for specialized counseling when necessary, and the Housing Department office offers free tutoring in many subject areas.

The residence hall staff in Sewall, including the Hall Director and a group of nine Resident Advisors, work closely with the SRAP faculty and staff to provide numerous opportunities for students to develop friendships, become involved in a wide spectrum of social activities, and acclimate themselves rapidly to the University community.

Sewall Residential Academic Program (SRAP) is a program for first-year students enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences who have an interest in the study of history and culture. Citizenship in the twenty-first century requires the ability to engage complex connections between the present and past, between local places and our global society, and between the arts and sciences. SRAP combines classes ranging from History and Biology to Economics and English, with co-curricular activities (such as lectures, films, and field trips) and local community outreach to help students recognize and think about these connections.

Participating in SRAP provides students with the opportunity to enjoy the advantages of a small liberal arts college within the broader context of a large research university. We fulfill this mission by

• Offering small seminar-style classes (approximately 18 students) that meet in Sewall Hall
• Emphasizing analytical thought through intensive reading, discussion, and writing
• Encouraging active student participation
• Providing classes that meet College of Arts and Sciences core requirements
• Offering special SRAP sections of courses such as Writing 1150: First Year Writing and Rhetoric, and SEWL 1020: Meaningful Careers

SRAP is a great choice for students who enjoy interdisciplinary study and who want to explore the interconnections among their classes while also learning in a hands-on way outside of the traditional classroom.