In The Loop Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it possible to participate in the program while commuting back to the Lake Forest College campus for a senior seminar course?
A: Yes. In The Loop (hereafter, ITL) is all about providing both “immersion” (in Chicago) and flexibility. While we expect that the great majority of students will follow the classic pattern of taking two courses in the city either the LFC-taught Interdisciplinary Concentration or the Roosevelt/Columbia College option – some students may have specific academic requirements that they must fulfill. ITL wants to accommodate such students. So if you need to return to campus for a senior seminar or other required course that you cannot take at another time, you will be able to do so.
The bottom line is that all students must live in the hostel and must carry out a two-credit internship. The other two credits can be suited to students’ particular needs.
Q: Can I do my thesis while enrolled in the program?
A: Yes – basically the same answer as the previous one.
Q: Can I study abroad and participate in the Lake Forest College In The Loop program, or do I have to choose between the two?
A: You do not have to choose – you can do both. Think of the LFC-ITL program as essentially being on campus, except that you’re living in downtown Chicago. All financial aid and other aspects of being a regular on-campus student apply (including on-campus residential rules).
Q: Can I take courses at another college/university in Chicago besides Columbia or Roosevelt?
A: Not in the first year, but perhaps in the future as the program develops. If you choose this option, both courses must be at the same institution.
Q: How do I go about finding an internship in the city?
A: Internships can be generated in two ways: (a) our internship supervisors (see below) may be able to suggest specific internships, or (b) you may be able to use your own resources (contacts, etc.) to secure an internship. In all cases, your internship must be approved by one of our on-campus supervisors, your academic advisor, and the director of internships.
Internship Supervisors:
Communication: Helene DeGross
Economics/Business/Finance: George Seyk
Humanities (Art, Foreign Languages, English, History, Music, Philosophy, Religion, Theater): Julia Fiske
Natural Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Computer Science, Physics) and Environmental Studies: Lynn Westley
Psychology: Kathryn Dohrmann
Social Sciences (Politics, Sociology and Anthropology): Julia Fiske
Q: Will I have a single bedroom at the Hostel? Can I choose who I live with?
A: The majority of the rooms at the Hostel are singles; however, there are some double rooms. (Differential pricing will apply to singles vs. doubles, as it does on campus.) Room assignments will be based on lottery numbers similar to the room selection process on campus each spring. Students may request to live with each other in the double rooms but roommate requests must be mutual. All student suites will be single-sex. To the extent possible, we will try to accommodate suitemate preferences.
Q: What options will I have regarding a meal plan?
A: Students can choose between two meal options:
Option 1: a 75 Meal Block with Limited Flex Dollars
The 75 meal block averages out to approximately five meals-per-week. These meals will be eaten in the dining hall of the University Center, which is located across the street from the Hostel. In addition, extra or “flex” dollars can be used at the University Center market, which is similar to the Lake Forest College campus P.O.D. In addition to the University Center meals, it is anticipated that students will be utilizing their kitchens to cook food (there is one kitchen per dorm suite) and/or that they will be eating out/taking food on the go while at their internship, etc. – thus the five meal-per-week plan.
Option 2: a meal spending allotment
This meal allotment will be paid out in equal installments every two weeks throughout the semester. The money will be direct deposited into the student’s checking account which will allow them to purchase groceries at local grocery stores and then bring those groceries back to their dorm kitchen to cook/eat. The amount of this allotment is to be determined at a later date.
Q: Is there parking available at/nearby the Hostel?
A: Private parking lots exist nearby, but they are very expensive. It is HIGHLY, HIGHLY ADVISED not to have a car while participating in the program – it will quickly prove to be a hassle.
Q: What about transportation? Are you going to offer students the U-Pass?
A: We are working to get LFC established as a “Chicago educational institution” so that our students can buy the U-pass.
Q: Can I take courses at Columbia or Roosevelt that fulfill my GenEd. requirements?
A: Yes.
Q: Can I participate in the program spring semester of my senior year?
A: Yes
Q: This sounds like a really cool program! How can I find out more about it?
A: Please visit the LFC-ITL website http://www.lakeforest.edu/chicago/intheloop/ or contact Rand Smith (rsmith@lakeforest.edu) or Jennie Larsen (larsen@lakeforest.edu) in the Center for Chicago Programs.
