Service Learning Advisory Council
Present: Future Akins, Irene Arellano, Donna Davis, Birgit Green, Laura Lowe, Karen Meaney, Walt Oler, Sara Smock, Larry Spain
Guest: David Roach, Duane Hoover
Karen welcomes the council and introduces David Roach and Duane Hoover representatives from the QEP. The request was then made for approval of the November 17th minutes. Walt motioned for approval, Future seconded, and minutes were approved. Spot-light: David Roach and Duane Hoover were the guest speakers for the Council. They are representatives from the Quality Enhancement Program-Ethics Initiatives Committee. David proposed a standardized test initiative to be implemented in the current service-learning courses. The process would encompass a pre-and post standardize test.
Due to the interests of incorporating a standardized test, the conversation developed into dialogue examining questions and concerns encompassing this topic. Many issues were part of this conversation; the following narrative attempts to capture the major discussion points: Questions regarding on developing an ethics section in the course, would the test be an addition to the ethics initiative already established in the courses, and would it be valid to do a mid pre-test this spring semester, initiated the conversations. Concerns from the Council: Ethical or moral reasoning may or may not apply, what type of questions will be asked, more information about the test is needed, would all service-learning courses be required to participate, and are the case studies scenarios from the national test (Defining Issues Test –DIT) relevant to real life situation.
Members of the Council stated that it would be best if the test was given at the beginning of the semester as oppose to mid-semester with a post-test to follow at the end of the semester. It was suggested that the service-learning courses be given the option to do a post-test for the current spring semester. This spring post-test would be used as a snapshot and/or comparative to other courses. Then next fall, the courses would be given the opportunity to implement the pre-and post-test.
After further discussion, Karen stated that she would draft a statement in regards to the standardize test. She will send the draft to all of the Council members for their feedback. The Council will decide on the issue of implementing the test this semester in the service-learning courses. Once the Council reviews the draft and makes a decision on the issue. The Council will notify the QEP on its decision.
Workload Policy: Laura briefly discussed the research of the “S” workload at other colleges and universities. Laura found that the institutions, that were researched, had mentioned workload policies in the tenure and promotion sections which stated that it should be considered. Middle Tennessee State and Boise State were two of the institutions researched. It was suggested to workload committee to research the list of colleges and universities classified as Carnegie Community Engagement. The committee will continue to do research on the tenure and promotion as well as the workload policy. Updates will be given at the next meeting.
Engagement Conference: Birgit gave a brief update on TTU’s Community Engagement Conference on March 27th. Final preparations are being made to the conference program. The conference will begin at 7:30 am with a continental breakfast and ending with a reception. Amy Driscoll, Carnegie Foundation, will be the keynote speaker. There is also a diverse spectrum of concurrent sessions. The whole TTU community is invited to attend. There is a registration fee for the attendees.
Community Partner Recognition: Future Atkins was recognized for her community involvement for the SOA Low-rider Dream Bike outreach project. She was given the Crystal Award 2009. This project collaborates with Atkins Middle School. The purpose of the project is to educate and teach students about math, science, and design while they make their own bikes. The students are invited to the TTU campus on April 24th.
2008 Presidential Honor Roll: TTU has been recognized for the second year for President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. The honor roll is a prestigious award given to a university or college for its commitment to service-learning and other community service programs.
Irene provided the council with service learning updates. SLFF (Service Learning Faculty Fellows) applications will be available at the end of February. The request for volunteers to review the application was announced. Irene also stated that the service-learning program will conduct an “S”-designation workshop on March 3. “S”-designation review committee will consist of Laura Lowe and Reese Todd. Brian Rex has been asked to give a service-learning presentation on February 25th, in the TLTC series, “What Best Teachers Do”.
Meeting adjourned at 3:00 pm.
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