Themester is an initiative of the College of Arts and Sciences. Faculty, staff and students in the College spearhead the planning process, but the College also partners with indviduals, groups and offices across campus and in the community in creating co-curricular programming each Themester.

Themester is a fall program only. For this reason, spring and summer courses and events cannot be included. The one exception is Intensive Freshman Seminars, which take place in August to introduce freshmen matriculating in the fall to life at Indiana University. 

Themester utilizes the expertise of the faculty. The College sends out a call for proposals to its faculty members who are encouraged to work together across departments to create multidisciplinary proposals. Some of these proposals extend beyond the College. For example, in 2010 College faculty partnered with the Office of Sustainability to create a Themester focusing on sustainability issues. The College Undergraduate Education committee chooses from the plans submitted. Several considerations go into deciding on the theme. Do the College and the University have the resources to adequately address the theme? Are there multiple ways of looking at the theme? Will the theme allow a discussion across disciplines? Will the theme engage students? Does the theme address important issues?

The co-curriculum refers to programming that supports the curriculum. Programming includes activities such as film screenings, lectures, exhibitions and workshops that engage the theme and complement Themester courses.

Themester begins accepting proposals once the preliminary Themester curriculum bundle is established. This year there will be one funding deadline: March 1.

Because there is only one funding deadline and limited opportunity for resubmission, submitters are encouraged to consult with Tracy Bee, tbee@iu.edu before submitting their proposals.

We especially encourage faculty members from departments and programs in the College of Arts and Sciences to submit proposals. Proposals from community groups, units of the University, and registered student groups are also welcome.

Proposals must fit the theme. The College will also seek diverse programming in order to serve diverse populations. Themester is an initiative to engage undergraduates and the bulk of programming will benefit undergraduates in some way. Some of the successful proposals last year engaged multiple audiences. For example, a proposal for a visiting scholar might include a discussion in a Themester class, a colloquium with IU faculty members, and a public lecture, or some combination, as long as undergraduates are a primary focus. Programming might include lectures, panel discussions, colloquia, workshops, art exhibitions, film screenings and creative performances. Multidisciplinary proposals with support from other departments or units are encouraged.  Any proposed visiting speaker should possess scholarly, creative or professional credentials. Student-run events require a faculty or qualified staff mentor.

Timing of an event should take into account religious holidays, campus events such as homecoming, community events such as the Lotus Festival and the realities of student life. A dearth of campus space makes scheduling events during weekdays challenging. Most Themester events are scheduled in the late afternoon or the evening during the week. While some overlap will be inevitable, we wish to avoid conflicts between Themester events as much as possible. A tentative calendar will be established and posted as events are (tentatively) scheduled. In the meantime, please contact Tracy Bee at the Themester office (812 856-7183) to discuss.

Requests can be modest (<100) or more substantial. Most proposals ask for $2,000 or less to help cover specific expenses that are outlined in the proposal.  Some departmental contribution is expected. Ideally, Themester would not be not the sole source of funds. Please consult with Themester coordinator Tracy Bee (tbee@iu.edu) if your request is more than $5,000.

Themester does not have the capacity to coordinate or organize the events submitted in proposals. It is assumed that the individuals, groups, and departments submitting the proposal take on that responsibility. Themester grants wil be transfered to a university account for organizers to manage.