Indianapolis Community Requirement (ICR)

The Indianapolis Community Requirement (ICR) is a Core Curriculum requirement that involves students in a wide range of reciprocal community partnerships wherein they can integrate classroom knowledge with active experiences in the Indianapolis community. All Butler students entering in fall 2010 or later must complete at least one ICR course before graduation. The ICR can be satisfied through designated courses in the core curriculum, in the student’s major, or taken as electives.

The service-learning pedagogy (academic learning linked to relevant community service) provides one model for ICR courses, but courses based on models from the SENCER (Science Education for New Civic Engagements and Responsibilities) project or the Critical Listening initiative of the CCC can also satisfy the ICR.

Important COVID-19 Regulations

In order to protect the health of students, staff, faculty, and community partners, ICR-related coursework has been restructured and the majority of community-based experiences in fall 2020 will be virtual rather than face-to-face. Students who complete ICR work as defined in their respective course syllabus will earn credit for the ICR. Where ICR coursework involves face-to-face engagement, students should be especially vigilant about the health of all involved. Students must follow all Butler University guidelines for health and safety, including wearing masks and physical/social distancing, whether on- or off-campus. If a host site has more stringent precautions, Butler students are expected to comply with these precautions.

Benefits of the ICR Approach

The ICR involves all participants-students, faculty, staff, and community members alike in the learning process.