Hi, I'm Alexander. I'm a sophomore who's majoring in business with an emphasis in accounting. I'm a Student Ambassador here in Admissions. And I'm also a middle blocker for the Russell Sage College men's volleyball team. So you know those courses they require you to take in college that aren't a part of your major? Those gen eds, live eds, and core courses? Sometimes, they go, "Why do I have to take these courses?" But maybe that's just what I used to call them.

A couple of years ago, Russell Sage looked at its core curriculum, and decided to make it mean more to students. There were three goals. Number one, give students the information they need to be successful in school, and in life. You know, Be. Know. Do.

Number two, offer is part of the required courses... Stuff that students usually have to seek out separately at other colleges, like time with Career Services, or activities that help build your resume, so that you can get a great job when you graduate.

And number three, build community because every new class of students is experiencing them together. Have you haven't picked up on that yet? Community is really important here. And, after all that thinking and rearranging, and experimenting, they came up with the RSC Thread, and it stretched out over three years to give you the courses you need exactly when you need it.

So in year one, it's a first year seminar called RSC 101, "Thriving at Sage." And the course helps you get the skills you need to be successful in college, better understand the dimensions of wellness, and build your communication and teamwork skills.

In year two, it's a course called RSC 201, "Exploring Intercultural Perspectives." You will look at all the forces -- historic, cultural, global, and also systemic that shapes a diverse experience and point of view. The class helps you develop the skills necessary to work with and understand people who may have different experiences or perspectives than you in talks about civic engagement, social justice, and more.

And in year three, or four, or year two if you're special like me, and your Advisor likes you, you'll take RSC 301, "Innovating to Impact." That's a course where you will work with an organization in the surrounding community to address a problem or provide support. Later, you'll present what you've learned to members of the Russell Sage community to show what you know, and practice the things that will be important to the work world. This course helps you understand the difference you can make and brings together all the writing and other skills you've been sharpening during your time at Sage and it's also a great thing to put on your resume. The service-learning course is a great example of engaged learning here at Russell Sage. But we'll have more on that later.