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Integrated Learning-Living Communities

Core: Human Values in a Pluralistic Culture

UD students participate in class

The Core Program is a 2 1/2-year interdisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes the University of Dayton’s signature characteristics: a student community that forms lasting friendships, excellent faculty who are enthusiastic about teaching and working closely with students, and dynamic engagement with the arts and culture in Dayton.

More than this, Core fulfills many aspects of the University’s Common Academic Program (CAP) requirements.

“The Core Program offered an experience that helped me build a foundation as an undergraduate that enabled me to thrive, both in the classroom and in co-curricular activities," one Core graduate said.

All Core students work closely with faculty and they have opportunity to work with second-year Core students (Core Fellows) who provide peer support and help with exam preparation and other assignments. More than this, the Core Write Place Consultants help with paper writing.

By studying English, history, philosophy and religious studies in one interdisciplinary class, students have the advantage of understanding the connections between disciplines, how narratives develop and the ways in which important human values change and emerge in diverse cultures.

“Core developed in me the ability to critically consider multiple and varying perspectives at once – a skill that is invaluable to me," another Core graduate said.

Students: Students who enter UD as English, history, human rights, philosophy, religious studies, and sociology majors are preselected as Core students, but Core is open to all students at UD.

ILLC coordinator: William Trollinger, Director, Core Program

ILLC faculty: Michael Cox, David Darrow, David Fine, Myrna Gabbe, Elizabeth Mackay, Anthony Smith, Dan Thompson, Susan Trollinger, William Trollinger

ILLC administrative assistant: Leslie Kuhnen

For more information about the Core Program, please visit our website.

ASI 110 and ASI 120 (Development of Western Culture in a Global Context). ASI 110 is taken fall semester, and ASI 120 is taken spring semester.

Students in the second year of Core take three designated Core classes of their choice, all of which fulfill CAP requirements. Core concludes in the fall of junior year with a capstone course, ASI 37x.

A special Core graduation brunch is held in the spring of junior year to honor students who complete the program. 


Core fulfills many University CAP requirements. All courses in the Core Program meet graduation requirements.


  • Live with other Core students in the residence halls.
  • Interact with Core Fellows (second-year Core students) when they hold office hours in your residence hall to address questions about the readings and lectures and to help with preparations for exams.
  • Interact with Core Write Place Consultants (students who are in Core or have graduated from Core) as they help you with writing assignments.
  • Get together with friends for ice cream, cookouts, and other activities. Some events are officially planned by the program, but many are planned by Core students with support from faculty, Core Fellows, Core Resident Assistants (RAs) and residents of the Core Houses in the student neighborhood.

Meet Our Coordinator

Professor; Director of Core Integrated Studies Program

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CONTACT

Learning-Living Communities


300 College Park
Dayton, Ohio 45469