The Wittenberg Series annually provides substantial enhancement to the academic curriculum and departmental programming of the university by sponsoring a series of diverse cultural, intellectual, and value-centered programs that bring to the campus and local community distinguished lecturers and performing artists of national and international prominence. The Committee on Programming, a joint committee of faculty and students appointed by the Provost's Office, is responsible for the planning and implementation of the events. In an effort to respond to the wide variety of interests, concerns, and disciplines represented on the campus and to appeal as well to members of the community at large, the committee coordinates its work with the University President, the Office of the Provost, the Office of Advancement and Institutional Relations, the Office of the University Pastor, and the chairpersons and directors of the academic departments and various special campus-wide programs and committees, including those appointed to plan specially endowed events. Generally focusing on a theme for consideration on the campus throughout the year, Series events are inclusive of the various disciplines and special areas of study represented within the liberal arts curriculum of the University. The arts, humanities, sciences, social sciences, psychology, religion, and technology are all embraced by the programs presented. Also included are the observances at Weaver Chapel of Reformation and Advent, services which are significant in the history of the Lutheran heritage of the University. Suggestions for events and speakers are solicited annually from each member of the faculty and staff and from members of the student body; every effort is made to accommodate the recommendations received. The primary events of the Series are generally scheduled in the evening and are open free-of-admission to all students, faculty, staff, and to the general public. Once scheduled, they take precedence over all other programming on the campus; no events, either co-curricular or extracurricular in nature, are scheduled in conflict with them. Student attendance, while not required, is encouraged and audiences generally range in size from 500 to 1,000.
Relative to the performing arts, for which provision is made to include one major offering each in music, theater, and dance every year, residency activities and master classes are scheduled whenever possible in addition to the performances presented by the artists. The distinguished lectures and residencies frequently include secondary opportunities for the interaction of the speakers and the University community. While on the campus, the lecturers typically meet with one or two classes or groups in informal situations, addressing issues that relate to their specific fields of activity and sharing their general attitudes and perceptions in the context of the annual theme. The week-long visual artist and Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship foundation residencies provide even greater opportunities for these types of encounter.
The goals of the Wittenberg Series are to provide opportunities for growth and challenge, new kinds of experiences, exposure to unfamiliar ideas, and cultural enrichment to the campus and community through broadly based interdisciplinary programming. These objectives result directly from the mission and priorities of the University established by its definition as an institution of higher learning devoted to liberal arts and sciences education.