Service Learning Advisory Council
Present: Irene Arellano, Shannon Bichard, Joaquin Borrego, Heidi Brady, Birgit Green, Laura Lowe, Karen Meaney, Walt Oler, Doris Reding, Sara Smock, Larry Spain, Reese Todd
Guest: Sandy Crosier
Absent:Future Atkins, Kurt Caswell, Carolyn Erler, Ralph Ferguson, Elizabeth McDaniel, Walt Oler, Brian Rex, Robert Stewart
Karen welcomes the council and introduces Sandy Crosier representative for Study Abroad Program (in absence of Elizabeth McDaniel).
The request was then made for approval of the April 20th minutes. Laura motioned for approval, Joaquin seconded, and minutes were approved.
Service Learning Workload Policy: Laura mentioned that the Workload Committee has continued to research other universities and colleges regarding the policy. The Committee focused the efforts at Middle Tennessee, LSU, Michigan State, and Indiana to name of few. They discovered that these universities do not have a workload policy but offer more credit hours. Tenure and Promotion were also discussed as part of the workload. Karen suggested that this might be another avenue for the Committee to search. Reese spoke about the University of Kentucky as a model for Service Learning. There should be more of a commitment to address the Tenure and Promotion issue.
Engagement Conference: Karen and Birgit spoke about the success of the 1st Annual TTU-Community Engagement Conference. There were approximately 130 attendees and 30 presentations. Representatives from the TTUHSC, San Angelo University, and TTU Community were all present. The keynote speakers were Amy Driscoll-Carnegie Foundation, Patricia Paredes-Texas Campus Compact, and Phil Greasley-University of Kentucky. Birgit mentioned that evaluation were positive and meet expectations.
Service Learning and Study Abroad: Sandy reported that Elizabeth (Study Abroad) has done some research on the issue of service-learning/study abroad courses. The institutions that Elizabeth researched found no mechanisms involved to designate a service-learning course in a study abroad program. Some institutions find study abroad courses that are equivalent to course thought on the main campus. Some courses get approval before the students travel. Most courses are still developing their service-learning criteria. For TTU, it has faculty led programs which make it possible for these faculty to get their courses service-learning designated. One possibility would be to look at the courses offered at the other TTU abroad centers.
Doris Reding (Community Partner): Doris presented the projects that some of the Visual and Performing Arts students did for her agency. The students from the Public and Social class were to design a poster and tickets for the Covenant Gala. Students were divided into teams. Each team presented their final product to the Covenant Board members. The students were provided transportation and a meal for the presentation. The Board members were pleased with the students’ outstanding projects. Covenant will give a $500 scholarship award to the College. At least ten students will be able to attend the Gala. The suggestion was made that the Service Learning Program might want to consider a reception to showcase all the wonderful projects and presentation the students do in their service-learning courses.
Service Learning Assessments: Karen updated the Council that spring assessments were being administered to the service-learning courses. The courses evaluated were from faculty who volunteered their course. Kasey (SL student assistant) will compile the results during the summer. Irene will administer the community partner assessments during the month of May.
Service Learning Updates: Irene announced the 2009-2010 Service Learning Faculty Fellows: Stephanie J. Jones, Amy Heuman, Dorothy Durband, Tanja Karp, Christine Alvarado, and Kent Griffin. The mentors are Jacki Fitzpatrick, Barbara Morgan-Fleming, Bolanle Olaniran, Katie Langford, and Charlie Klein. A special training for the new fellows will be held on Wednesday, May 13th from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
Joaquin Borrego gave a service-learning presentation on April 15th regarding his PSY 3398 service learning course. Joaquin presentation “Using Service Learning to Engage Students with Underserved Population” was his study of demographics as well as the benefits and challenges of a service-learning course.
There were eight members of the Council who have ended their term on the Service Learning Advisory Council. Irene and Karen thanked these members of the Council for the dedication and commitment to the Service Learning Program and to the Service Learning Advisory Council. The members were Shannon Bichard, Kurt Caswell, Ralph Ferguson, Laura Lowe, Walt Oler, Doris Reding, Larry Spain, and Sara Smock. Each person was given a gift of appreciation.
Meeting adjourned at 2:50 pm. |