About Arts&Ideas

Founded in 1984, the Arts & Ideas program at Lewis University has ignited a passion and appreciation for the arts, and fostered greater cultural and community engagement. We provide students with the opportunity to ignite their curiosity, learn from renowned artists and scholars, engage with a diverse community, and explore new ideas. From thought-provoking lectures, panel discussions, and film screenings to captivating stage productions and musical performances, Arts & Ideas offers a diverse range of artistic and cultural experiences…free and open to the public! In a typical year, we present close to 200 events, making Lewis University the cultural and artistic hub of the southwest suburbs.

The Arts & Ideas Lewis program reflects the integration of several Lewis University programs under one umbrella. Coordinated by the College of Humanities, Fine Arts, and Communications, Arts & Ideas is comprised of the Performing Arts Series, the Ideas Series, the Wadsworth Family Gallery, the Phillip Lynch Theatre, and Jet Fuel Review.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency

Arts&Ideas FAQs

FAQ for Audiences

What is the Arts & Ideas program?

• Arts & Ideas is a program designed to foster greater cultural awareness and engagement through a wide variety of offered events. Rooted in the University's Catholic and Lasallian heritage, Arts & Ideas embodies the institution's commitment to knowledge, fidelity, and the pursuit of wisdom and justice.
• Each semester, Lewis students and the general public are invited to attend events sponsored by the program, including lectures, art exhibits, panel discussions, concerts, stage productions, and more.
• The Arts & Ideas program reflects Lewis University's commitment to the development of the complete person. For students, the program complements and enhances the University's curriculum, extending the Lewis experience beyond the classroom, and fostering a spirit of association that builds community.

When are events? Where can I find a list of Arts & Ideas events?

• Events vary by week, month, and semester. There are typically several events per week, and sometimes several events per day. The most up-to-date calendar of events can be found on our website, luartsandideas.org.
• Please note that the schedule is flexible and subject to change. Events may be canceled up to the day of the event.

How much does it cost to attend Arts & Ideas events? Do I need a ticket?

All Arts & Ideas events free and open to the public, unless otherwise stated. Tickets are not required, unless otherwise stated for the event. Seating for all events is based on a first come, first served basis, as long as space allows. Arts & Ideas events follow the event space's seating capacity (based on fire code) and capacity will vary based on location.

What time should I arrive for an event?

We encourage you to you arrive no later than 10 to 15 minutes before the event is scheduled to begin.

FAQ for Students

What do I even need Arts & Ideas for? Why should I come to these events?

Attending Arts & Ideas events is about expanding your knowledge and enriching your perspective. Several courses, including Cornerstone, history, fine arts, and humanities classes, integrate Arts & Ideas program events directly into their curriculum. But these Arts & Ideas events can also expose you to new and diverse topics and perspectives beyond your major. These events can foster a well-rounded understanding of the world, a cornerstone of a fulfilling Lewis University education.

  What time should I arrive for an event?

We encourage you to you arrive no later than 10 to 15 minutes before the event is scheduled to begin.

How do I get Arts & Ideas credit? I heard I need to scan something? What do I do?

• To get credit for attending an event, you simply need to have your QR code scanned at the conclusion of the event. You do not need to check in or scan in for an event upon arriving.
• Your QR code is based on your Lewis University Student ID number and is unique to you. Once you have generated your distinct code, you can take a screenshot of it to save for easier convenience at future events.
• You can generate your QR code here.

How is my attendance at events recorded?

At the conclusion of an Arts & Ideas event, a Graduate Assistant will check you out by scanning your QR code. It is important you have your QR code ready to scan. You do not need to check in or scan in for an event when you arrive.

How do I get my QR code?

1. The QR code generator page can be found here, or by clicking on "Get QR Code" in the black bar at the top of the Arts & Ideas website. (On mobile: you must click on the three lines in the black bar, then "Get QR code")
2. Erase the text "Enter Student ID" in the box. Then, type your Student ID number without spaces or dashes. All Lewis University Student IDs begin with an uppercase "L". (Example: L0023456)
3. Once you have entered your ID correctly, hit "RETURN" on your keyboard. Your unique QR code will instantly appear below.
4. On your mobile device, simply take a screenshot of the page to capture and easily access your QR code in the future. For computer users, right-click the QR code image and select "Save Image As" and save to your desired location.

How do I know what events I have attended?

You can keep track of your events on the Arts & Ideas website under "Attendance Report" or by clicking here.

  I have a class that starts when an Arts & Ideas event is scheduled to end. Can I leave the event early and still get credit?

• Sometimes, scheduling conflicts arise with classes, sports, and other events. To earn Arts & Ideas credit, you must stay for the majority of the event. If this will not be possible, please check the calendar for a different event to attend.
• If you need to leave only a few minutes before the scheduled end of an event to get to another commitment, please locate the Arts & Ideas Graduate Assistant and inform them prior to the start of the event.

  Why don't some events give Arts & Ideas credit?

• Arts & Ideas events are an extension of the academic classroom and sponsored by the faculty. To provide Arts & Ideas credit, an event must meet certain criteria. This includes having academic merit for which academic credit can be given; being sponsored by a faculty member and/or academic department, in supplement and enhancement of academic courses; and be submitted prior to the submission deadline.
• Although important to the cultural landscape of the Lewis University community, events sponsored by student organizations, recruitment, social, and similar events do not typically qualify for Arts & Ideas Credit.
• Events that do not provide credit have an "NC" designation in the event schedule.

Guidelines and Reminders

• To receive Arts & Ideas credit, simply show your QR code to the Arts & Ideas staff member upon leaving an event. You can always check your attendance records by visiting luartsandideas.org.
• If you have any questions, please send an email to artsandideas@lewisu.edu. Be sure to include your Lewis ID number.
• A student must be present at the beginning of an event (within 10 minutes of scheduled start time) and must remain until the end of the event to earn credit.
• Claiming credit for an event you did not actually attend is academic dishonesty and will be subject to the appropriate penalty.
• Courteous attention and appropriate behavior is expected at all events. You should not be engaged in other activities, such as texting or cell phone usage.
• Instructions and guidelines of the program sponsor(s) are to be followed at all times.

FAQ for Faculty

Who can host an Arts & Ideas event?

Arts & Ideas is a faculty-driven program; therefore, a faculty member or academic department is charged with sponsoring events. 

How can I schedule an event for the Arts & Ideas calendar?  

• Before submitting an event, please browse the Arts & Ideas calendar and identify an available date and time. While some scheduling flexibility exists, we discourage double-booking Arts & Ideas events.
• An event can be submitted for the Arts & Ideas schedule here.
• The form asks you for the estimated duration of your event, expected attendance, type of event, contact information, and other relevant details.
• Please ensure that you submit your event proposal at least 14 days prior to your desired date to ensure we can give your event proper consideration.

How can I ensure that my event gets Arts & Ideas credit?

• There is no panel that approves which events receive Arts & Ideas credit. Rather, Arts & Ideas credit is given to events with curriculum alignment, and which have academic merit for which academic credit can be given.
• When submitting your event using the Arts & Ideas submission form, you will be asked whether it is an Arts & Ideas event. After checking "YES" to indicate this is an Arts & Ideas event, you will then be asked to check whether you want the event to be for Arts & Ideas credit. You must also click "YES" here for the event to be considered for Arts & Ideas credit.
• You will be asked to briefly describe the academic merit of your event, the baccalaureate characteristics and student learning outcomes that best align with your event, and possible course alignment for your event. 
• Most often, an event is rejected from receiving credit because the host did not ask for it on their event submission form, or because of a scheduling issue.

How do I get a room for my event?

Room(s) for your event can be requested as part of the Arts & Ideas event submission form.

How can I check or keep track of student attendance for my event?

Student attendance for events can be checked here. If you have problems checking student attendance for your event, you may contact the A&I Administrative Assistant for further assistance.

Our event used to receive Arts & Ideas credit, but we did not receive credit this semester. Why?

• There are several reasons this may have happened. Common reasons include: the event was not submitted to Arts & Ideas by a faculty member, the submission did not request Arts & Ideas credit on the submission form, the event was submitted less than 14 days prior to the event, or the event created a conflict with another previously scheduled event.
• Arts & Ideas staff work with faculty to ensure that events are assigned Arts & Ideas credit. If you have questions about Arts & Ideas credit, please contact the co-directors, Dr. Mike McFerron or Dr. James Tallon.

   I sometimes hear about Cult&Civ points. What are they?

For many years, Lewis students enrolled in the "Culture and Civilization" course were required to attend Arts & Ideas events. "Cult&Civ" points were created to track student attendance specifically for this course. Today, Arts & Ideas events are incorporated into a variety of classes across the curriculum, and Arts&Ideas credit was adopted in its place.

Who do I contact with questions about hosting an event?

For Performing Arts Series events: Dr. Mike McFerron, co-director
For Ideas Series events (panels, lectures, etc.): Dr. James Tallon, co-director
For Arts & Ideas logistics: Christine Jones, administrative assistant