Timeline
Timeline
The Ricci Scholars Program follows a structured timeline that begins with the application process in the sophomore year and continues through immersive study abroad experiences during the junior year, culminating in research presentations as seniors. Below is an overview of each stage to help students prepare for program requirements and key deadlines.
Sophomore Year
Students prepare their research proposals and apply to the Ricci Scholars program in the fall semester of their sophomore year. Prior to applying, students should meet with the Director of the Ricci Scholars program, Dr. Noah Butler, to discuss their research interests and the proposal itself. Applicants are also encouraged to reach out to the Ricci Student Ambassador for a student perspective.
- The application deadline is November 1.
- Interviews with applicants will be conducted in November.
- Scholarship awardees will be announced by the end of December.
Junior Year: Two-Semester Sequence
Fall Semester (“West”): Students spend the fall semester at the Rome Center, where Loyola has been educating undergraduates since 1962. Among Western Europe's largest study abroad programs, the Rome Center is a well-equipped campus located on Monte Mario, 20 minutes north of Vatican City and 30 minutes from Rome’s historic city center. At the Rome Center, Ricci students thoroughly develop their understanding of Italian and European culture and history through coursework and guided travel. Students take the Ricci Seminar (UNIV 301, in-person) at the Rome Center in the fall.
Spring Semester (“East”): Ricci candidates spend the spring semester of their junior year at an approved destination in East Asia. Students take the Ricci Seminar (UNIV 302, online) while studying on-location at their choice of one of these universities in the spring:
- Kansai Gaidai University (Hirakata, Japan)
- Chinese University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong, SAR)
- Hanyang University (Seoul, South Korea)
Senior Year
Students return to campus in Chicago to finalize the presentation of their research through a one-credit seminar in the fall semester (UNIV 340). In the spring semester, students present their research (as a poster or oral presentation) at Loyola’s annual Undergraduate and Engagement Symposium (URES). At graduation, students are formally recognized and receive the graduation honor of Ricci Scholar.
Program Requirements
Loyola University Chicago undergraduates who are in the first semester of their sophomore year of study at Loyola with solid academic achievement are eligible to apply. The Ricci Scholars Program is open only to Loyola University Chicago students. Applicants are expected to meet the following criteria: acceptable GPA, good disciplinary record, and favorable recommendations from both a faculty mentor and their academic advisor.
Applicants must submit a research proposal outlining their chosen topic. Ricci Scholars will be enrolled in a 3 credit "West" seminar (UNIV 301) in the fall, a 3 credit "East" seminar (UNIV 302) in the spring, and a follow-up 1 credit seminar (UNIV 340) at Loyola in Chicago during the fall semester of senior year.
The Ricci Scholars Program follows a structured timeline that begins with the application process in the sophomore year and continues through immersive study abroad experiences during the junior year, culminating in research presentations as seniors. Below is an overview of each stage to help students prepare for program requirements and key deadlines.
Sophomore Year
Students prepare their research proposals and apply to the Ricci Scholars program in the fall semester of their sophomore year. Prior to applying, students should meet with the Director of the Ricci Scholars program, Dr. Noah Butler, to discuss their research interests and the proposal itself. Applicants are also encouraged to reach out to the Ricci Student Ambassador for a student perspective.
- The application deadline is November 1.
- Interviews with applicants will be conducted in November.
- Scholarship awardees will be announced by the end of December.
Junior Year: Two-Semester Sequence
Fall Semester (“West”): Students spend the fall semester at the Rome Center, where Loyola has been educating undergraduates since 1962. Among Western Europe's largest study abroad programs, the Rome Center is a well-equipped campus located on Monte Mario, 20 minutes north of Vatican City and 30 minutes from Rome’s historic city center. At the Rome Center, Ricci students thoroughly develop their understanding of Italian and European culture and history through coursework and guided travel. Students take the Ricci Seminar (UNIV 301, in-person) at the Rome Center in the fall.
Spring Semester (“East”): Ricci candidates spend the spring semester of their junior year at an approved destination in East Asia. Students take the Ricci Seminar (UNIV 302, online) while studying on-location at their choice of one of these universities in the spring:
- Kansai Gaidai University (Hirakata, Japan)
- Chinese University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong, SAR)
- Hanyang University (Seoul, South Korea)
Senior Year
Students return to campus in Chicago to finalize the presentation of their research through a one-credit seminar in the fall semester (UNIV 340). In the spring semester, students present their research (as a poster or oral presentation) at Loyola’s annual Undergraduate and Engagement Symposium (URES). At graduation, students are formally recognized and receive the graduation honor of Ricci Scholar.
Program Requirements
Loyola University Chicago undergraduates who are in the first semester of their sophomore year of study at Loyola with solid academic achievement are eligible to apply. The Ricci Scholars Program is open only to Loyola University Chicago students. Applicants are expected to meet the following criteria: acceptable GPA, good disciplinary record, and favorable recommendations from both a faculty mentor and their academic advisor.
Applicants must submit a research proposal outlining their chosen topic. Ricci Scholars will be enrolled in a 3 credit "West" seminar (UNIV 301) in the fall, a 3 credit "East" seminar (UNIV 302) in the spring, and a follow-up 1 credit seminar (UNIV 340) at Loyola in Chicago during the fall semester of senior year.