Student research
General education & integrative learning
In addition to completing a major course of studies to prepare for a career, Bluffton students also prepare for lifelong learning by completing an integrated general education program. This core program begins with First Year Seminar, a course to guide students' exploration of individual identity, and concludes with the Enduring Values Capstone course, which addresses our role as global citizens.
In between, students develop skills in writing and reasoning, and study the world
around them in interdisciplinary courses in the arts, natural science, social science,
humanities and religion. They then cross boundaries into a culture different from
their own by participating in a cross-cultural learning experience. This program is
designed to provide a basis for success in the 21st century.
General education course descriptions >
Student research and exploration
These special programs and activities at Bluffton give students opportunities for research and discovery as well as a way to share their knowledge and ideas with the community.
First Tuesday in the Library Forum
These presentations in Musselman Library’s Reading Room are specifically for students
to share their research, work and knowledge with the community.
Departmental honors projects
A departmental honors project gives students the opportunity to explore their interests. Students work closely
with a faculty member to propose and develop a project idea. Students have written
research papers, exhibited art shows, produces plays and created children’s books
and novels.
Bridge: The Bluffton University Literary Journal
Bridge is a literary journal which publishes works by young authors, ages 14-24, from across
the globe. An online journal is published in the fall and a print version in the spring.
Members of the Bridge team read, select, edit and approve works to be published in
Bridge.
Shalith literary magazine
The Shalith is a yearly literary magazine sponsored by the English and language department and
produced by a committee of students and a faculty advisor. Since 1962, Shalith has published writing and artwork by Bluffton students, faculty and staff in a variety
of formats.
The Witmarsum
The Witmarsum is the student-driven media website of Bluffton University. BlufftonWit.com features student-produced news and feature stories. Paid positions are available
working with The Wit. The communication and theatre department has administrative
and academic responsibility for its operation.
Contests
C. Henry Smith Oratorical Contest
The annual C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest provides the opportunity to compose and deliver a speech that applies Christian principles
of peacemaking to contemporary social issues. The winner of the Bluffton competition
advances to compete with winners from other Mennonite-related colleges and universities.
- 2023 first-place speech, “Finding Peace in Religious Conversations: The Free Exercise Clause and Public Schools"