Since the landfall of Hurricane Katrina, the city of New Orleans has been flooded with generous offers from many organizations and individuals eager to help in relief and rebuilding efforts. However, the problems exposed by Katrina have long been present in New Orleans, and require the commitment of many in order to exact change. Tulane University established the Semester in NOLA program in 2006 with the expressed purpose of assisting in the recovery from Hurricane Katrina and working towards a more equitable New Orleans. The goal of the program is to provide students the chance to participate in meaningful work in the community, while encouraging engaged inquiry into our city's culture, history, and the problems we face as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Through coursework and reflection, students will be asked to connect their individual efforts to the need for transforming New Orleans into a sustainable and vital city.
This five week summer program incorporates a 3-credit internship experience with a 3-credit interdisciplinary course taught by Tulane professors. Students will complete intensive service assignments with local and national organizations focused both on transforming the city and on serving those affected by the hurricane. They will study the geography, culture, and history of New Orleans, along with issues affecting urban community development. They will hear from a broad range of community leaders and local scholars in weekly forums, and have the opportunity to participate in field trips, workshops, and community events. Students will have an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to the transformation of New Orleans as well-informed partners, not simply volunteers, while also earning academic credit.
For an account of the 2006 program see the Tulanian article Summer in the City.
A typical week at Semester in NOLA:
Monday through Wednesday...students will work on site with their host organizations, planning projects, implementing solutions, completing research, and attending meetings. Monday evenings will also include an interdisciplinary seminar designed to assist students in processing and reflecting upon their internship experience.
Tuesday Night...students and faculty will participate in an evening forum, hearing stories from flood survivors, listening to a local musician discuss the importance of jazz, learning about New Orleans’ infamous levee system, and engaging in discussion about New Orleans’ educational system.
Friday...students will participate in a half day of academic class focused on various aspects of New Orleans’ culture, history, and future.
Weekends...students will have two hands-on service activities over the course of the program, and while some orientation activities will be offered to make sure students feel at home here in the Big Easy, students are encouraged to explore the city and all it has to offer on their own as well. New Orleans is world renowned for its food, its music, and its historic neighborhoods. Students are encouraged get their fill of all three.
Program Timeline:
- Program Timeline:
- May 27th: Move In Day
- May 29th: Orientation and Welcoming Reception
- May 30th: First Day of Class
- June 2nd: First Day of Internship Service
- June 7th: Service Activity
- June 21st: Service Activity
- June 25th: Last day of Internship Service
- June 26th: Final Project Presentations
- June 27th: Last Day of Class
- June 28th: Move Out Day
