Testimonials 

"Through Free School, I get to meet and interact with colleagues with whom I never cross paths otherwise. We can learn more about SU, ourselves, and each other by engaging our minds and bodies. It gives us a chance to see the gifts people have beyond their official roles on campus. Through it, I've had a chance to try new hobbies in a safe, welcoming setting.  Besides learning and growing personally and professionally, I feel closer to my SU community and love the positivity Free School brings to our hot summers."

-Jenny Terry Roberts '95, Professional Academic Advisor

"I cannot encourage faculty members to participate in this program strongly enough! Staff are such wonderful, engaged "students" that it will renew your love of teaching! It's not hard to prepare--you can choose a favorite lecture from a course and give that as part of a one-time session [like I did with The Secrets to a Happy Relationship and What You Need to Know About Therapy]. Do it; you won't be sorry!!"

-Traci Giuliano, Professor of Psychology

"[Free School] was a great way to connect with other staff and meet new people. I learned a lot and had fun at the same time. I would encourage anyone, especially those new to campus to sign up as a way to become part of the SU community."

-Staff Member

"I enjoyed teaching [Pickleball for All] so much. I got to meet other staff I wouldn't normally interact with, and I got to spend time with colleagues I do know in a different setting. Not only did we learn something and have fun, but we strengthened our community."

-Shelley Story, Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life

"Participating in Southwestern University's Free School Program was an enriching experience. I appreciated that we were allowed to join during working hours, making it accessible for everyone. The range of topics covered was impressive, and the instructors were truly dedicated to sharing their knowledge. I highly encourage everyone to participate next time!"

-Staff Member

"Seeing firsthand how nature and outdoor learning can not only foster a sense of belonging and community, but also an appreciation for the environment in folks of all ages, from all walks of campus, is exactly why I created my beekeeping organization, and why I am an Environmental Studies major! As a current student, it’s rare that I get to interact with staff that work behind the scenes to keep campus running. I loved getting the opportunity to share my passion with those who I normally would not have ever met, and I now have an even bigger circle of folks with (hopefully) a piqued interest in the beautiful and nuanced world of invertebrates!"

-Layla Hoffen '26, Environmental Studies Major

"I highly recommend new employees to participate in Free School. In fact, I onboarded 4 new staff over the last few months and made sure they knew about the opportunities. I know that several of them did attend some classes. It's a great way to learn something new and people people on campus!"

-Jennifer K. Leach, Director of Advising and Retention

"Teaching [Managing Interpersonal Conflict: Achieve Positive Outcomes] helped me distill highly practical and useful information from full-semester college communication courses that I had previously taught as an adjunct professor."

-Mary Smith, Academic Success Specialist

"I enjoyed getting out of the office and attending one of these classes during the work day. I was able to meet other faculty/staff that I had not met before. I left [The Secrets to a Happy Relationship] feeling motivated..."

-Staff Member

"I've been involved in Free School as a participant, instructor [Planting Positivity], and volunteer. Each experience has brought me so much joy because of the connections I make and the knowledge I get to take with me."

-Jennifer Frias, Academic Success Coordinator

"SU Free School provided a great opportunity to meet colleagues from other areas of campus in a low-stakes, creative, and fun environment. I stepped out of my comfort zone to participate, and I’m so glad I did."

-Eileen Roybal, Director of Stewardship

"[Show Your Appreciation for Coworkers] made me happiest to connect with peers across campus. This made me feel like I was equipped to become a better supervisor and colleague. I would say sign up for at least one thing even if it is just to get to know others on campus!"

-Staff Member