Overview - Advance Experiential Learning

Advance experiential learning so that all Indiana State University students have a significant experiential learning experience within their major.

Original Goal Two Planning Document

Goal 2 Advance Experiential Learning

 

How is Indiana State doing to date?

Almost There

Indiana State University is committed to providing its students with highly engaged and exceptionally relevant academic experiences that will prepare them for life as citizens and professionals in the 21st century. These experiential learning experiences are hands-on opportunities that both test and develop a student’s critical thinking skills. The University’s goal is to have 100 percent of its students participating in experiential learning—whether an internship, service learning, field and community-based research or a performance or creative endeavor—by 2014. The University has already achieved its goal of having 100 percent of its academic programs require this type of learning experience and is well on its way to achieving this outcome for all of its graduates.

Taking Experiential Learning to a New Level

Indiana State University boosted its experiential learning agenda to a new level when it established the Center for Student Research and Creativity in 2011. The center serves as a clearinghouse for information, support, coordination and communication about student research and creative inquiry by:

  • Directing faculty and students to information on internal and external funding
  • Administering funds for undergraduate inquiry fellowships
  • Providing assistance to faculty and students engaged in inquiry projects through graduate student mentors who work with faculty and librarians in the discipline area
  • Sponsoring workshops, forums, research showcases and other information sessions for faculty and students
  • Coordinating activities of the Council for Undergraduate Research-related activities
  • Publishing an online journal of undergraduate research
  • Publicizing student inquiry and creative activities on campus and in the community

Enhancing Student Life

The Student Government Association enriches the campus experience of Indiana State’s students outside the classroom by providing a number of social, cultural, recreational and professional development opportunities. In contributing to The Pathway to Success, SGA has developed an aggressive agenda to increase student involvement in many on campus activities, from The Forest spirit organization and Blue Fridays to new initiatives like INShape ISU, which focuses on students’ health.

The University is also working to support and develop outstanding student activities known as Icon or Legacy programs. These programs, including the annual Trike and Tandem races, are designed to encourage broad student participation. Both races have experienced significant increases in participation since this initiative was created along with other programs such as RecFest. Staffing in Student Affairs also has been expanded to include a person in charge of developing weekend programs.

Preparing for the Job Market

In 2013, the Career Center moved into new quarters and launched a number of new programs to help students achieve their professional goals. They include a comprehensive skills training program to certify students’ professional skills and to ensure Indiana State graduates are ready for the workplace. The program includes an array of certifications, both university-administered and third-party offerings, along with an expanded student employment professional skills training that will ensure students are learning and using professional work-place skills in their student employment positions. Students will receive verification of the skills obtained through a notation on their co-curricular transcript.

A $3 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. will also help build job readiness skills into the curriculum and expand the Career Center. The grant is part of a $62.7 million.