ENGAGING LEADERSHIPoffice of experiential education and civic engagement

contentsDirector’s Comments..........1

Engaging InternationalVisiting Scholars.................2 2012-13 ELR Opportunites college & Department profiles......................................3OEECE Highlights.................3

experiential Learning & Partnerships Workshop.....4

experiential learning opportunities.........................5Career & Community Studies.......................................5

oxfam social issues banquet & Action Week......6

KSU Students serve in AmericaCorp Vista...............7

King Kennedy Community Center Programs..................8AmericaCorp Visa (continuted)...........................8

Meet OEECE’s New Graduate Assistants............9

upward bound students’ personal safety project....10

upcoming events.................11

FALL 2013, ISSUE 1

Director’s Comments:

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Office of Experiential Education and Civic Engagement (OEECE)

www.kent.edu/experiential Lake/Olson Halls/Exploratory Advising Center / 330-672-7876

Dr. Tina L. KandakaiWelcome to the Fall, 2013 Engaging Leadership Newsletter!The OEECE staff is excited to serve as a hub for experiential learning resources at Kent State University. Faculty members and students respectively have numerous options for facilitating and fulfilling the Experiential Learning Requirement (ELR). A faculty member’s choice of ELR curricular options may vary depending on a faculty member’s learning objectives, desired depth of engagement (for themselves and students), as well as their academic and research interests. Given that the ELR requirement is relatively new, faculty members may find themselves pondering over which option is the best fit. Below are four types of experiential learning options to consider:1. Full Course Designation This option is ideal for faculty members who are teaching courses that: a) are required in major programs of study, b) have only a few sections of the course offered, and c) allow multiple institutional requirements to be fulfilled by students (i.e., Writing intensive, Diversity, and ELR). Interested faculty members can

2. Section Course Designation: is a great option where multiple faculty members are assigned different sections of a course. The flexibility of this option: a) accommodates for varying teaching styles, b) allows for course designation on a semester-by-semester basis, and c) supports the incorporation of diverse activities and projects throughout the year. 3. The Plus-1 Credit Course is an “add-on” that fits well with faculty members across all disciplines who want to offer experiential learning as a teaching tool but who have not yet incorporated activities into course curricula. The Plus-1 Credit serves well for those who: a) are exploring strategies for infusing experiential learning into course curricula, b) want students to have an active role in shaping the learning experience, and c) want to explore how student academic outcomes and course learning objectives are influence by engaged learning activities. Interested faculty members should encourage students to explore Plus-1 Credit options. 4. The Non-Course Activity offers students the opportunity to fulfill the ELR without enrolling in a related course. This option offers all the benefits of the Plus-1 Credit however: a) it acknowledges activities, leadership, and professional development activities that students obtain individually or through formalized campus-based programs, and b) students will not pay the fees associated

with course enrollment.

All ELR forms, course designation processes, rubrics, and assessment tools can be accessed through the OEECE website at www.kent.edu/oeece.

Faculty members who want an early start to developing experiential learning courses for Spring 2014 should join us for the Building Experiential Learning and Partnerships Workshop scheduled for October31, 2013 from 11:30-2:00 in the Moulton Hall Ballroom. This match-making event offers an early start to developing course-based activities. Faculty members will be paired with community partners who have projects that link directly with course learning objectives. Spaces will be limited so click here to reserve your seat today.

As always, the OEECE is proud of the impact that it is making on the lives of our students, faculty members, and community. If you have ideas that you would like to share or are looking to modify existing experiential learning approaches, feel free to stop by Lake/Olson Center, visit us at www.kent.edu/oeece, email experiential@kent.edu, or call our office at 330-672-7876.

Have a Wonderful Semester, Tina L. Kandakai, PhDDirector OEECE

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Engaging visiting scholarsOEECE Welcomes scholars from Iraq & Libya

What two words come to mind when you hear “experiential education?” -Dr. Tina Kandakai asked guest Fulbright* scholars. The scholars’ responses, “theory to practice…creativity in education…community service,” launched a full discussion on the goals and application of OEECE’s namesake. Educators using experiential education combine learning experiences outside the classroom with focused reflection on those experiences in order to foster student personal and professional growth, community collaboration, and humanitarian values. One visiting scholar remarked on how integrating experiential education “would be of significant help” to replace “traditional, boring teaching methods.” The scholars’ time with OEECE included laying a conceptual foundation, visiting a community partner site and active reflection on the site visit.Change of Scenery

OEECE escorted the scholars on a tour of Happy Trails Animal Sanctuary in Ravenna, Ohio. Happy Trails staff explained the ways their organization works to make lasting community

change. One way is through requiring legal prosecution of any persons involved with animal abuse in order for Happy Trails to take custody of abused animals. This requirement most often ensures prosecution of animal abuse, which is typically overlooked so as to focus on “greater offenses.” They also take many of their rescued animals to schools and nursing homes for education and enriching experiences. Understanding the mission of a host site is pivotal in ensuring mutual benefit to students and the organizations they serve. Reflecting Upon Happy Trails

At first glance, one might think a farm sanctuary would only avail itself for learning opportunities with biology majors. OEECE staff and scholars discussed a variety of roles students can and have filled at this single site- in accounting, public policy, marketing, botany, chemistry, technology, non-profit management, education and more. Scholars recognized students could apply knowledge from the classroom at Happy Trails “by extracting many principles in fields such as law, psychology, economics, etc.” And as for those biology and

chemistry majors, scholars noted “animal ethology,” diagnostic blood tests for the animals and toxicity testing of plants on the sanctuary grounds as just a few of example projects. When discussing how to transfer their experience from Happy Trails to other sites, one scholar said she would encourage her “students to reach out to charities, set up databases, websites and advertising.”Resources to Take Home

OEECE did not send our new colleagues away empty-handed. The scholars took home journal articles (to discuss the goals and limitations of EE), diagrams, tips on student reflection, sample syllabi and of course…OEECE T-shirts! Most importantly, a deeper understanding of why and how to get students outside the classroom. One scholar reflected resolutely: “I can use experiential education to increase [my students] knowledge and responsibility.”

Anne Marie Lucas Graduate Assistant Office of Experiential Education & Civic Engagement July 2013

The tour of Happy Trails is a fun opportunity to get outside and enjoy some American countryside while gaining insight to how experiential education works.

Two of our visiting scholars listen to a story from Happy Trails lead staff member.

Scholars huddle up with OEECE staff alongside imaginative swine sculpture that honor the first two pigs ever to call Happy Trails home.

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To assist course planning and curriculum evaluation, OEECE has compiled data on 2012-2013 ELR opportunities available in each Kent State college and department. The sample profile illustrates the number of opportunities available, student enrollment in these opportunites, and the types of opportunities available (i.e. research, internships, E.L.R. course).

Contact OEECE at experiential@kent.edu to request a customized profile for your college or department.

Types of ELR Opportunities fall2012 - summer2013

2012-2013 elr opportunities

College & Department Profiles

OEECE Highlights 3

As part of OEECE ‘s commitment to high quality experiential learning for our students, the office collects data via multiple surveys each academic year. The data presented in this diagram is extracted from the ELR Fall 2012 End of the Course Survey report. The survey was completed by 191 students from 11 different colleges of Kent State University who had just completed one of several ELR-designated courses. The survey assessed students’ experiences on the basis of diversity, retention, connectedness, academics and more. This diagram represents some of the key findings of the report. Contact OEECE at experiential@kent.edu to obtain the complete report.

Class Level of Undergraduate ELR Opportunities

fall2012 - summer2013

OEECE

- 75 % of EL students have GPA above 3.0. - 65% of students described their best EL experience as Hands-on activity in and outside of the classroom. - 36% students were first generation college students.

- 66% of students indicated that the course helped them to contribute to team problem solving. - 65% of students indicated that because of experiential learning course they have an in depth knowledge of their major field of study. - 60% of students indicated that experiential learning helped them understand how to work effectively with people of different ethnicities, and region.

- 63% of students indicated that experiential learning encouraged them to obtain higher course grades. - 54% of students indicated that they are now thinking of attending graduate school. - 24% of students indicated that because of the experiential learning, they now will declare a major.

- 48% of students suggested that their class increased their appreciation of the diversity of issues facing communities. - 47% of students suggested that experiential learning has caused them to think about ways to approach diversity in the community with civility and respect.

- 60% of students indicated that experiential learning helped them learn about opportunities to become involved in the community.

- 49% of students indicated that experiential learning increased their sense of responsibility to become involved in community.

RETE

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- 53% of students indicated that because of they now value building their professional skills through community involvement.

- 72% of students suggested that experiential learning made them

to think about the skills they need to be competent in their

profession.

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For questions, contact Dr. Tina L. Kandakai (tkandaka@kent.edu) or Ann Gosky (agosky@kent.edu)

Piecing Together Engaged Learning

October 31, 2013

11:30 - 2:00 PM

Moulton Hall

Participants can expect to: 1. Develop a platform for exploring curricular-based experiential learning options. 2. Interact with a variety of partners who support student application of

knowledge and skills. 3. Receive useful information and tools for creating meaningful and productive

partnerships. 4. Develop an action plan, facilitating the implementation of course-based

experiential learning.

Office of Experiential Education and Civic Engagement (OEECE) www.kent.edu/oeece

Lake/Olson Center 330-672-7876

Building Experiential Learning and Partnerships Workshop

Join in this interactive program that matches faculty with campus and community partners who share complementary interests and needs for student engagement. Participants will work together to develop opportunities that promote student

connectedness, engagement, and learning.

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experiential learning Opportunities

Plus-1 is a premiere opportunity to for students to gain real-world professional experience and academic credit.Through just 30 hours of on-site service over the semester and a reflective project, students can earn an additional credit hour. The Plus-1 Credit can be completed at any class level (freshman-senior). Faculty members must approve student enrollment and projects as explained in the Plus-1 Credit & Non-Course Activity applications.

The deadline for students to submit Spring 2014 applications to OEECE is Thursday, February 6. 2014.

Plus-1 Credit activities link seamlessly with the learning objectives of a primary course and/or disciplinary competencies. As a result, you gain a better appreciation and understanding of the course content. Any student who

successfully completes the Plus-1 Credit course will have fulfilled their Experiential Learning Requirement.

If you have a site or project in mind, but are unable to link these with an academic course, you can apply for the Non-course Credit Activity using the same application. Click here to listen to a 3-minute presentation on the Plus-1 Credit process. For more opportunities please contact The OEECE at 330-672-7876.

Interested persons should call the OEECE at

330-672-7876 experiential@kent.edu www.kent.edu/oeece

Lake/Olson Center

Service at KSU’s

Career and Community Studies (CCS) is perfect for students of all disciplines!

Academic Mentors

Assist young-adult students with disabilities with course work and/or tutoring support.

Social Mentors

Engage in social events, games, or just are available to just “hang out.”

Independent Living Mentors Support with daily tasks is provided to

students living in dorms.

Office of Experiential Education & Civic Engagement (OEECE)Office of Experiential Education & Civic Engagement (OEECE)Office of Experiential Education & Civic Engagement (OEECE)

Plus-1 Credit Experiential Learning Opportunities!

“Make Your Service Count” “Make Your Service Count” Special PLUS-1 CREDIT & Non-Course Opportunities

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PLUS-1 CREDIT & NON-COURSE OPTIONS

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Week Events:Oxfam Creative Writing Contest

Tuesday, November 19Time TBA, Oscar Ritchie Theatre

Oxfam Theater PerformanceWednesday, November 20

12:30-1:45pm, Wright-Curtis Theatre Roe Greene Center

Oxfam Social Issues BanquetThursday, November 21

11:30am-2pm, KSC Ballroom

Faculty/Staff/Community Partner Meet & GreetThursday, November 21

2:15-3:30pm, KSC 306

Banquet Background:The Oxfam Social Issues Banquet explores the impact of hunger on global and local communities. Attendees will take part in a limited meal and rich discussion about the issues of poverty and KSU’s role in making a difference.

Table Topics• “Ramen Noodles & Rice”: Student Stories

• Sustainable Living

• Housing & Homelessness

• Public Health & Hunger

• Farming of Hunger & Poverty: Public Policy

• The Geography of Poverty

• Make a Commitment

Hunger Awareness& Action Week November 17 - 21, 2013

Oxfam SocialIssues BanquetNovember 21, 2013 KSC Ballroom 11:30am - 2pm

Sign up for these events at: TinyURL.com/2013oxfam

Sponsored by:The Office of Experiential Education & Civic Engagement

experiential@kent.edu | www.kent.edu/oeeceLake/Olson Center (330) 672-7876

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Danielle DeBord, InternFlash Communications University Communications August 19, 2013

Kent State Students

volunteer in service to America

Ten Kent State University students are serving as AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members in local communities. A VISTA member, who is not a Kent State student, also is serving with Kent State’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, helping to support retention of low-income and underrepresented students.

AmeriCorps VISTA is a national service program, originated by former President John F. Kennedy, designed to fight poverty.

“It is the first time that so many of Kent State’s students have engaged in this type of service at one time,” says Ann Gosky, senior special assistant at Kent State’s Office of Experiential Education and Civic Engagement. “I think it says so much about our students, their view of themselves, their view of the world and their willingness to respond and serve.”

Gosky says she selects her VISTA members based on their academic credentials and their passion to make a difference.

Alexandra James, graduate student in Kent State’s hospitality/tourism management program, is a volunteer with the Office of Experiential Education and Civic

Engagement in the Department of Undergraduate Studies. In her role, James focus is on food poverty and hunger in the Kent, Ravenna and Akron areas. James first began volunteering with the Campus Kitchen at Kent State in 2011, and Gosky encouraged her to apply for the VISTA program.

“

Had it not been for Ann Gosky, I would not have known about this position,” says James. “It has been a great experience so far.”

James helps to run the cooking shift for the Campus Kitchen on Wednesdays, where 180 meals are made for those in need at Kent Social Services and Center of Hope in Ravenna. James also works with children’s programs, recovering food from various sites and maintaining a booth at the Ravenna and Kent farmers’ markets to showcase the work of the Campus Kitchen at Kent State University as well as

educates and recruit volunteers.

James says VISTA has helped her to think on her feet, be more creative and realize how much of an impact her work has on the community.

“It has opened my eyes to how big of a problem hunger is, and I’m glad that I can help make a difference,” says James. “This job comes with its challenges, but the result in the end is definitely worth it.”

Rob Young, post-undergraduate psychology major, volunteers at Family and Community Services Inc., the largest private nonprofit social service agency in Northeast Ohio. Young shadows and assists CEO Mike Frisone in all of his daily duties.

“I gained so much the year I spent volunteering on Super Service Saturdays through Kent State and the Honors College that I decided that some type of nonprofit internship or volunteering would be a rewarding way to spend the summer,” says Young.

During his experience as a VISTA member, Young has learned a lot about how nonprofits govern their boards, raise money, hire staff and deal with internal issues. Young says he has also been an integral part of the redesign of an online M.P.A. course, Nonprofit Law.Story continued on page 7.

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Kent State Students Volunteer in Service to America (continued)

The King Kennedy Community Center

Welcomes You to Serve the Youth

“The VISTA experience has been tremendous. I am receiving an inside perspective that many executive-level employees never get to see,” says Young. “Best of all, I know that at the end of the day I am helping an organization that feeds, clothes, houses, counsels and employs those in need.”

VISTA members are chosen based upon the tasks, responsibilities and expectations of them at their service site. They are expected to have some volunteer experience, reliable transportation and a high school

diploma, says Ryan Tipton, AmeriCorps VISTA coordinator.

“Candidates who express their care and commitment to the community around them and show excitement about serving others are likely to be accepted,” Tipton says.

For more information about Kent State’s Office of Experiential Education and Civic Engagement, visit http://www.kent.edu/oeece/index.cfm.

This past summer Kent State University continued its engagement with the King Kennedy Community Center in Ravenna, Ohio. As part of the ten week summer enrichment at the community center, Kent State University students provided some unique opportunities for the youth.

Each week KSU students serving as Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) at the Campus Kitchen at Kent State University offered an opportunity for youth to learn how to cook and eat for a healthy lifestyle. Under the direction of KSU students Alexandra James and Jackie Telmanik, nutrition lessons were planned and delivered, and youth were given an opportunity to cook and engage in healthy eating activities.

The project was such a success that youth currently meet weekly for an afterschool Healthy Eating program.

In addition, Kent State continues the America Reads/Counts program at the center and three KSU students provide tutoring and homework assistance twice each week. Tutors connect with the youth and mentor them – encouraging them to make good life decisions.

And, during the past several weeks KSU students have also been engaged in a project to rehab the McElrath Improvement Corporation/King Kennedy baseball field. The field has not been in use for approximately four years and was in need of restoration. To date, more than 150 volunteers have donated more than 400 hours to recreate a field of dreams. A re-opening day celebration is being planned for October 19th and the words “play ball” will be uttered once again. A special thanks to the KSU Men’s and Women’s baseball teams, Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Delta Gamma and Chi Omega sororities, and the many individual students who have donated their time and talents. Kudos to staff members Shelley Evans, Rebekkah Berryhill, Heather White, and Amy Densevich who coordinated efforts to make this dream a reality.

For more information about AmeriCorps VISTA, visit www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/americorps-vista.

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Meet OEECE’s New Graduate AssistantsRyan Tipton I am excited to work with students, faculty and staff this year while working to connect them to great volunteer opportunities. I am also continuing my graduate work this Fall in Information Architecture and Knowledge Management with a focus in User Experience Design. I am a local Kentite and earned my undergraduate degree in International Relations from KSU. My wife and I live in downtown Kent and love it here!

Adam Hinkley I am a first-year graduate student in the Higher Education Administration and Student Personnel program. While I grew up in Portland, Oregon, and have lived abroad in Brazil, Chile, and China, I am excited to call Kent my new home. As a graduate assistant with the Office of Experiential Education and Civic Engagement, I look forward to planning and implementing a variety of events and activities on-campus and in the community, including the Volunteer/Experiential Learning Fair, Alternative Spring Break, and the Student Service Leader program, among others. I am ready for a great year of engaged learning and service as we work together to make a difference in our world.

Anne Marie LucasI am Masters student in the Cultural Foundations program and am also pursuing the College Teaching Certificate. Ultimately, I intend to be a proponent of Conflict Transformation- as a college professor teaching and conducting research internationally. While working in OEECE, I will be coordinating and assessing some of our programs this year including ELR opportunities and the KSU-Oxfam Social Issues Banquet. I greatly look forward to helping students and faculty create meaningful learning experiences outside the classroom.

Bharat Chaturvedi As a research assistant, I assist in conducting data analysis on various research and writing reports for experiential learning. I also help develop surveys and forms for experiential education courses and programs. I earned a Bachelors Degree of Dental Surgery from India in 2010 and am currently pursuing a Masters in Public Health with a concentration in Health Policy and Management. Long-term, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Public Health concentrating on gun violence or child abuse. In my spare time, I like to play chess and basketball. I also enjoy reading leisurely.

Jyoti Sonkar I am a second year graduate student in the College of Public Health with a major in Environmental Health Science. I have a dental degree from India and was involved in numerous community services in rural and tribal areas. This experience played an important role in my overall personal development. As a new Graduate Assistant with the Office of Experiential Education and Civic Engagement, I can definitely identify with our goal of engaged learning. I look forward to planning and implementing various experential learning initiatives and helping to develop surveys for students and faculty.

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OEECE & Upward Bound Students’ Personal Safety Research

Upward Bound students interview a faculty member about personal safety.

Upward Bound students interview a fellow students to collect data for their personal safety project.

To explore diversity and cross-cultural communication, Instructor Patty Robinson decided to take her Upward Bound* students outside the classroom. The goal of her class is for students to learn to work effectively in groups by accepting, valuing, and applying each other’s differences. She invited OEECE to engage her students in a dynamic group project. What began as an exploratory discussion about personal safety developed into a simple, but full-fledged research experience. After a group discussion to articulate their own views about personal safety, Ms. Robinson’s Upward Bound students chose the questions they wanted to ask in order to compare views of college students with that of high school students. Questions like “How do you define personal safety?” and “What types of harm are most concerning to you?” provided interesting starting points to gather data. The students’ findings included how young people work to secure their own safety. To stay safe, high-school students were more likely to carry a knife or gun and to keep to themselves than college students. They were also more likely to refrain from alcohol and drugs than college students for the purpose of keeping safe. As one would expect, college students expressed a greater degree of personal responsibility for their safety. Interestingly however, some high school students expressed a desire and a need to protect not only themselves, but others around them also.

This desire was not expressed by any college students in this pilot study. Ironically, several of the Upward Bound students had to work against their own safety strategy of avoiding strangers in order to gather the needed data. “I don’t really like stepping outside of my comfort zone and the project made me take that step,” BriAsia Johnson, Upward Bound CLASSIC, Warren G. Harding junior. However, it only took a few interviews before the students began to relax and enjoy the interviews. “It was difficult to pull them away from doing interviews!” Patty Robinson. “It was easier to do because my peers encouraged me and we each took on a different responsibility. Recognizing the differences in each other was the key to success,” BriAsia Johnson.

After conducting the interviews, the students helped compile and analyze their qualitative and quantitative data. Finally, they presented their findings for their fellow Upward Bound students. “It’s rewarding to see young people rethinking their views of the world and being empowered to try new things. Not many teens get to do full research projects in high school, so we were very happy to introduce these students to the field,” -Anne Marie Lucas, Graduate Student Worker, Office of Experiential Education & Civic Engagement.

*Upward Bound is a federally funded TRiO program which provides pre-college support services to high school students who aim to earn Bachelor’s degrees. Students face barriers to college including low income and having the potential to be the first generation to attend college in their families. Part of the Upward Bound program provides an opportunity for students to live on the Kent State campus during the summertime. While on campus, students take rigorous academics, special courses, and explore various obstacles and opportunities related to college life.

UPCOMING EVENTS

october

november

december

MONTH EVENT, TIME, & LOCATION (click on the events for registration/more info)

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*The Bridge is an outreach to the homeless in Akron, Ohio. Every Friday from 5:00 -7:00 pm. Students are asked to meet at Beall Hall loading dock. A PB&J sandwich and meal preparation for ‘The Bridge’ will be held every Thursday 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Beall Hall 2nd floor.

Super Service Saturdays

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10/12, 10/19, 10/26

11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/23

12/7

Super Service Saturdays

Super Service Saturdays

Food Drive Main Collection Day @ KSU Football Game on National Day of Service

DATE/DAY

11/1-11/3

10/14-10/26 Portage County Food Drive

10/23

10/26

Building Experiential Learning & Partnerships Workshop

The Bridge, 5:00 - 7:00 pm*

Campus Kitchen Cooking, 2:00 - 5:00pm

Make Sandwiches & Back Pack Program, 5:00-6:30pm Every Wednesday

Every Thursday

Every Friday

Hunger Awareness & Action Week

Oxfam Theatre Performance, 12:30-1:45pmOxfam Creative Writing Contest Event

Oxfam Social Issues Banquet, 11:30am-2pmFaculty/Staff & Community Partner Meet & Greet, 2:15-3:30pm

11/1911/2011/2111/21

11/17-11/22

Cleveland Immersion Trip: Urban Plunge

The Bridge, 5:00 - 7:00 pm*

Campus Kitchen Cooking, 2:00 - 5:00pm

Make Sandwiches & Back Pack Program, 5:00-6:30pm Every Wednesday

Every Thursday

Every Friday

January

12/7 Habitat for Humanity Fashion Show

1/20 MLK Day of Service

The Bridge, 5:00 - 7:00 pm*

Campus Kitchen Cooking, 2:00 - 5:00pm

Make Sandwiches & Back Pack Program, 5:00-6:30pm Every Wednesday

Every Thursday

Every Friday