The Center for the Study of Local
Issues: Overview
Review CSLI History/Mission
Opportunities for Student Learning and Civic AwarenessYour Help
Dan Nataf, Ph.D., DirectorCenter for the Study of Local IssuesAnne Arundel Community College
101 College ParkwayArnold, MD 21012-1895http:www2.aacc.edu/csli
CSLI History and Mission
Historical Background: CSLI’s three periods
1. Creation and operation as part of Division of Social Sciences: 1978-1999 – a community college ‘research center’
2. Operation under Vice President for Learning 2000-2006
3.Operation as part of Paul S. Sarbanes Center for Public and Community Service 2006-present
– Advisory Board – provides guidance
CSLI History and Mission
Provide students opportunities to better understand applied social science research methods while encouraging civic awareness and engagement
Serve community and local government by offering research services and communicating survey findings
Provide opportunities for faculty professional development
Help AACC understand its environment through relevant data collection and analysis
Mission – four elements
Mission: Provide students opportunities to better understand applied social science research methods while encouraging civic awareness and engagement
Participation in community surveys
Participation in client based research projects
Student internships
CSLI student club
CSLI History and Mission
Activities providing student opportunities
Community Surveys
1. Conducted in March and October2. Telephone interviews – 350-550 completions3. Press releases4. Public presentations5. Media outreach6. Web site (http://www2.aacc.edu/csli)
CSLI’s Signature Product: The Semi-annual Survey
Community Surveys
Service Learning• Five contacts with CSLI
• Introductory meeting – overview of process, previous findings, purpose of samples/surveys
• 3 nights of telephone interviews• Final meeting – review of survey process,
findings, SPSS/hypotheses testing
Semi-annual survey – how students participate
Community Surveys
Extra Credit• Instructor determines number/character of contacts
with CSLI• Examples:
• 1 or 2 nights of telephone interviewing• Introductory meeting, 1 night of telephone
interviews, final meeting
Semi-annual survey – how students participate
Community Surveys: Survey Content
Suggestions for Survey content• Instructor uses themes from course to suggest
survey topics, discusses with students• Examples:
• Chemistry – global warming, public perceptions, policy options
• Business – marketing, public perceptions of small business, business climate
• Sociology/political science/human services, English – gender gap, perceptions of race and class, policy and partisanship
Semi-annual survey – how students participate
Semi-annual Surveys: Major Topics
• Most important issue facing residents of the county• Economic conditions in the county• Perceptions of BRAC’s impact on the county• The vision for public schools in the county• Cigarette Tax• Death Penalty• President Bush’s job approval• Lots of demographic info: age, income, occupational
status, race, religion, gender, party, ideology
Semi-annual survey – topics over the last couple of years
Semi-annual Surveys: Sample of FindingsEconomic conditions in Anne Arundel County
Semi-annual Surveys: Sample of FindingsPresident Bush’s Job Approval in Anne Arundel County
Semi-annual Surveys: Sample of Findings Visions for Anne Arundel County Public Schools
Plans for the Future: Online Surveys
Web panel – email addresses to be collected this fall
• Offers possibilities of monthly surveys
• More options for faculty and students to participate
Mission: Student Participation, Community OutreachActivity: External funded projects
Externally financed projects – 60 such projects 1995-2007Revenue generated: $250,000+
Anne Arundel County Public SchoolsAssociation of Women in CommunicationAnne Arundel County Department of Recreation and ParksMaryland Comptroller’s OfficeAnne Arundel County Executive – Commission on WomenAnne Arundel Police DepartmentMaryland Department of Natural ResourcesHousing Authority of the City of AnnapolisCapital newspaperAnnapolis and Anne Arundel County Chamber of CommerceAnne Arundel County Economic Development CorporationLeadership Anne ArundelWNAV radio stationAnnapolis Regional Transportation Project (city, county, state).Anne Arundel County Public Library System
Activity: External funded projects – student roles
Students help organize and carry out project related tasks
•Data collection•Data analysis•Statistical analysis•Report editing,
Other Student-related Activities: Internships and a student club
Student Internships: students participate in all aspects of CSLI activities
• Manage projects• Attend presentations• Write reports• Independent research• Client contacts
Other Student-related Activities: Internships and a student club
Student Club: Organized in 2005
• Attend political events – Obama campaign event in Prince George’s County, Jefferson-Jackson Democratic Dinner• Lunch with invited guests - journalists, elected officials, government administrators, others• Visit political institutions – MD General Assembly• Speeches – at think tanks, universities• Candidate forums - help organize and staff
How can you help CSLI?
Recruit students for CSLI activities
Use CSLI findings in your courses
Make survey topic suggestions
Tell us about any research interests you have – client projects may require your expertise!
Join the CSLI board Get on the CSLI mailing list (check Web site)
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