About the Professor

Photo courtesy of University of Notre Dame Center for Social Concerns

Cynthia Toms Smedley serves as the Director of Educational Immersions. She facilitates twelve academic seminars that take place during fall, winter, and spring breaks. The seminars utilize community engagement and classroom learning to examine social issues from a multitude of perspectives. Themes include Cultural Diversity, Energy Policy, Energy Policy and Social Change, The Gospel of Life, Border Issues, Holy Cross Mission in Education, Migrant Experiences, L’Arche, Holy Cross Mission in Hispanic Ministry, Healthcare in the US, and Environmental Justice and Human Rights in the aftermath of Katrina. She also oversees the Experiential Learning Council, a student group developed to enhance experiential and service learning opportunities on campus.