The Cultural Life Program

 Your Questions Answered

What is the Cultural Life Program?

More commonly referred to as the CLP, this program is a co-curricular component of Furman's academic requirements. The term refers to all events, such as concerts, lectures, performances and films, which have been approved by the Cultural Life Program Committee (comprised of faculty, administrators and students). Students are required to accrue CLP credits in order to graduate, and registration status is linked with a designated number of CLPs per class.
 

How many CLPs do I need to graduate?

Beginning August 31, 2008, the CLP requirement is 4 CLP events each semester students are enrolled, not to exceed 32 events regardless of when they started or how long it takes them to complete their studies. In other words: 32 CLP events are required to graduate, unless you attend Furman for fewer than eight semesters, in which case it is 4 less per semester. 8 events per class year are required to advance your registration priority. For example, a freshman must have 8 CLPs in addition to 32 course credits to register as a sophomore, a sophomore needs 16 to register as a junior, etc.

Students studying away from campus on travel study or with a Furman affiliate program will be awarded credit for attendance at 4 CLP events for each semester they cannot attend events here on campus. Students who transfer in, graduate early or spend time in off-campus programs are also given adjustments to their CLP count prior to graduation.
 

What's the purpose of the CLP, anyway? I mean, shouldn't graduation requirements be limited to coursework?

The liberally educated individual understands that learning is not confined to a classroom, a syllabus or studying for tests. Indeed, life for the liberal learner should be an ongoing exploration of new ideas and intellectually engaging endeavors. The Cultural Life Program reinforces this ideal by requiring Furman students to sample a variety of cultural events which they might otherwise be tempted to forgo. Just as professors select texts which they deem important and enlightening for the students in their courses, so does the Cultural Life Program serve to recommend to students culturally profitable and enriching ways to spend their free time. The numerous opportunities available through the program include lectures and panel discussions on a wide variety of topics by experts from both inside and outside the Furman community; concerts highlighting different types of music, from jazz to gospel to classical; engaging works of theater; and films. Each event is planned so that students are educated, rather than merely entertained.

Interestingly, alumni routinely rate the CLP as one of their most valuable undergraduate experiences.
 

How long has the CLP been part of Furman's academic program?

The CLP was instituted at Furman in the 1970s. Since that time the rules governing the program have been modified. Until the early 1990s, for example, students had to complete 48 events for graduation.
 

Who proposes and sponsors CLP events?

Events can be proposed by any member of the Furman community, although only faculty, administrators and some members of the staff are eligible to be sponsors.
 

How can I find out when and where CLP events are offered? How many are offered each year?

There are typically over 200 CLP events offered per year; your job is to select and attend a minimum, but not a maximum, of nine events per year. It is possible to complete all 32 required events in one year, if you so desire! All upcoming CLP events are shown on the Furman Events Calendar under the CLP category which is accessible from any on-campus computer. The external Furman Events Calendar shows information about any CLP events open to the public for anyone off-campus.  The Paladin often features upcoming CLPs. Faculty frequently announce recommended events in their classes, while event sponsors often post advertising fliers around campus. Keep your eyes and ears open - when you hear of an event that appeals to you, attend it!

It is important for students to know that there are also off-campus events which are proposed and approved for CLP credit. These events are publicized in the same ways, although attendance is recorded in a different fashion.
 

What's the best way for me to take advantage of the CLP? Life is busy - how can I be sure I make it to the required number of events per year?

Great question! First, stay informed about upcoming events. Go to things which genuinely interest you. Do not wait until the last weeks of Spring term to try to attend the required number of events. Plan ahead. Be flexible. Arrive at your chosen events in plenty of time.  Do not assume that you will be automatically admitted to any event you choose.
 

Why not? Don't you have to let me in because I need these to graduate?

At CLP events, as in life, the rule is: first come, first served. Many of the venues at Furman are not large enough to accommodate everyone who may wish to attend a particular event. Sponsors, who select event venues, must rely on a "best guess" projection of attendance, as there is no "pre-registration" for CLPs. Furthermore, sponsors choose rooms based on their appropriateness for the event to be presented, as well as their availability at the desired time.

Why can't we just stand up or sit on the floor if there are no seats left? What's the big deal?

Fire codes dictate room capacity. Furman and the Cultural Life Program cannot allow more individuals to enter a room than are legally permissible. It is not a question of arbitrariness, but of the law.
 

Can I get credit for attending events held more than once?  For example, plays and some musical events?

No. You receive one CLP credit per event attended.  Although you are welcome to attend events more than once, you will only receive a single credit.  Exceptions will be explicitly noted on the CLP website. 
 

How about cultural experiences I have on my own? Can I apply for CLP credit for personal travel or attendance at concerts, etc.?

No. These are exactly the kind of experiences we hope you will have on your own time, but in the interest of fairness and administrative feasibility the program must operate according to the prescribed guidelines.
 

How is attendance at CLP events documented?

You must bring a valid picture ID to all events, as you may be asked to present it to the CLP worker (who will be wearing a red CLP-worker t-shirt) at the door of the event. At most events you will then write your name and Furman ID number on the sign-in sheet provided and pick up a card. You should fill out the card and personally turn it in to a CLP worker at the conclusion of the event. Completion of all these steps is required to earn CLP credit. The number of students admitted will still be dictated by room capacity. Those who cannot produce a picture ID will be denied credit for the event, as will those leaving early or arriving late. Do not enter the event until you have signed the list and received a ticket. If you arrive before the workers, wait outside the doors (which should be shut) until they arrive. It is your responsibility to make sure you are registered for the event. For a complete list, see Conduct Rules.
 

How can I keep track of my CLP credits?

Go to Check Your CLP Status.
 

Why isn't this list always current?

CLP data entry takes time, and it is done by individuals involved in a variety of pressing projects. Although every effort is made to stay up-to-date, sometimes falling behind is unavoidable. Keep checking every few days.    If your credit for a specific event has not been posted within two weeks of the event, please use the "Credit Request Form" on the CLP page.  EVENTS OLDER THAN 2 TERMS PRIOR TO THE CURRENT TERM ARE NOT SUBJECT TO REVIEW. STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO REVIEW THEIR STATUS AT LEAST ONCE PER TERM. 
 

What will happen if I don't complete the required number of CLPs per year? Are there consequences?

Yes! It will negatively affect your registration status, and hence, your ability to get classes. If you have fewer than the eight required, your registration status will remain the same and you will not progress to the next class level for registration purposes.
 

What if I'm just a few events shy at the end of my senior year? Won't an exception be made for me so that I can graduate on time?

No. You will not receive your degree until you have completed the total number of required events for your graduating class. Nor may you walk through the graduation ceremony. You have four years to complete this requirement, and over 800 events to choose from, so there are no excuses for failing to do so by graduation time.
 

Who proposes and sponsors CLP events?
Events can be proposed by any member of the Furman community, although only faculty, administrators and some members of the staff are eligible to be sponsors.
 

What is the committee's process?
All events should be submitted by noon Wednesday at least four weeks prior to the event date.  The committee will then review all the proposals that have been submitted in a given week and make a decision by 5:00 p.m. Thursday.  If needed, the committee will meet Fridays to discuss the proposals.  The CLP Committee Chair will notify you of the outcome of the decision on your event.
 

Is there a mechanism to appeal the committee's decision?

If your event is not approved, you do not need to cancel your event.  The committee reviews events for whether the program content is appropriate for CLP credit, not whether the program can be held on the Furman campus.  We encourage program organizers not to view the CLP credit as the only reason for holding a program. Concerns over a rejected proposal should first be addressed to the committee chair. If that conversation does not suffice, please discuss the situation with the Assistant Academic Dean.  If the matter is not resolved after this discussion, a final appeal may be made to the Provost and Executive Vice President, provided the sponsor has spoken with the Chair and Assistant Academic Dean first.
 

How will my event be advertised?

Once the committee approves the event, it will be posted on the Upcoming Events link.  Any additional publicity of the event will be the responsibility of the sponsoring group, but no signs, banners or electronic publicity should denote CLP credit until the committee has given approval to the event.
 

I have some great ideas about improving the Cultural Life Program. Who can I talk to about them?

The Assistant Academic Dean, Administration Building 204, x2269, works closely with the staff of the Office of Academic Records (x2030) to administer the program and can also help answer any questions. Since our goal is to make the CLP as enriching and accessible as possible, we encourage your comments and suggestions.