In nation鈥檚 first-ever River Semester, students starting聽Sept. 1 will paddle, study, research, and live on the Mississippi River
WHAT
: Augsburg College on Sept. 1 will launch the nation鈥檚 first-ever River Semester. Students, who will earn as many as 16 credits, will travel the length of the Mississippi River from St. Paul to New Orleans in 24-foot voyageur canoes.
This hands-on, interdisciplinary learning experience begins in St. Paul on Sept. 1 and concludes Dec. 17 when students will arrive back home at the St. Paul Union Depot.
In addition to doing聽聽the group of 16 students will conduct hands-on research and projects during the semester. During the semester, students will:
- Conduct聽a聽field research project on a topic such as water pollution, the Clean Water聽Act, agriculture in the watershed, political organizing聽around environmental issues, race relations and social justice, or聽urban riverfront revitalization.
- Explore the history, literature, food, music, and culture of the聽Mississippi River.
- Gain skills tailored to fit the needs of partner聽businesses and institutions including graduate schools, nonprofits, and聽government agencies.
- Attend town hall meetings and meet with environmental organizations聽along the river.
- Hear from聽guest lecturers on Twain and Faulkner, ancient river civilizations, American Indian communities and their fight for justice,聽and the Dead Zone in the Gulf of Mexico.
An can be found on the River Semester website.
Members of the public and attendees of the event are invited to join the Sept. 1 send-off by paddling from Harriet Island to the South St. Paul boat launch at 494. This paddling experience lasts about two hours and is free of charge. Transportation back to Harriet Island will be provided. Register onsite beginning at 7 a.m. Additional boats provided by River Semester outfitter Wilderness Inquiry.
WHEN
Sept. 1, 2015
- 5:30-8 a.m.:聽Students available for live interviews as they pack and ready for launch
- 7 a.m.:聽Onsite registration for public to paddle from Harriet Island to South St. Paul
- 8 a.m.:聽Formal Program
- 8:45 a.m.:聽Launch and Send-Off
WHERE
(located at western end of park), Harriet Island, St. Paul
Directions: City of St. Paul
CONTACTS
- Stephanie Weiss, Augsburg College Director of News and Media Services, 612.330.1476
- Jeffrey Kemnitz, Wilderness Inquiry聽Outreach Director,聽612.676.9427