First Tuesday Series February 2, 2010

-- SACS -- Quality Enhancement Plan SACS requires that universities develop a comprehensive plan to enhance student learning on their campuses. Committee changed the name from QEP to EXL early on in the development process to make EXL part of the culture of the university and not just a program required by SACS!!

Two Year Planning Process Program Requirements Assessment Measures (rubrics, surveys) Forms Policies Strategic Implementation Plan

EXL Program Launch Fall students Spring ,205 students academic year – 3,927 students

Economic Impact Middle Tennessee economic impact for student work completed in schools, non- profit organizations, businesses, hospitals, etc. (rate of $8 per hour) 2008 – 2009 – 134,904 hours spent on community projects by 2,545 students 2008 – 2009 impact -- $1.095 million

Experiential Learning Defined That learning process that takes place beyond the traditional classroom and that enhances the personal and intellectual growth of the student. Such education can occur in a wide variety of settings, but it usually takes on a ‘learn-by-doing’ aspect that engages the student directly in the subject, work or service involved. (Experiential Education in the College of Arts and Sciences, Northeastern University, 1997.)

Types of EXL Classes co-op/internship study abroad applied experience service-learning creative activity teacher education lab course

EXL Prefix Courses Service Learning Practicum (2010 or 3010) Leadership Studies Practicum (2020 or 3020) Civic Engagement Practicum (2030 or 3030) All courses can be set as 1, 2, or 3 hour courses

EXL Designation – Requirements 16 to 18 hours of EXL designated classes. At least one external activity (volunteer project with community organization/business or scholarly research project). MTSU internal service component (leadership role in a campus sponsored charitable activity, volunteer with a campus office to assist other students, or be a campus leader) Documentation of completion of EXL activities via an E- Portfolio (EXL 4000 course) Participation in EXL Program assessment activities such as completion of surveys

E-portfolio – EXL 4000 Website used by a student: to determine his/her specific career interest To enhance his/her resume with specific examples showing skills and knowledge To enhance his/her application materials for graduate school As a tool in the interview process to direct discussion and answer interview questions

Assessment Program outcomes Student learning outcomes (rubrics) Student surveys Community partner surveys – to be developed National Survey on Student Engagement (NSSE) results

Grants and Awards Outstanding EXL Faculty - $1,000 Outstanding EXL Student - $500 Outstanding EXL Community Partner – to be implemented Outstanding EXL Administrator – to be implemented Faculty Grants – up to 1,000 for faculty (begins this semester with $500 limit) Student Grants – to begin in fall 2010

Why Should Faculty Participate? Students become more engaged learners and class is more active and interesting for faculty. Faculty members have opportunities to interact with professionals working in their disciplines. Faculty members have opportunities to provide service to the middle Tennessee community that enhances the quality of life of the community. Teaching EXL courses may provide a means for faculty members to re-think their teaching approaches to find ways to actively engage students in learning. Faculty members have the opportunity to develop research on teaching issues. Monetary awards will be provided to outstanding EXL faculty.

Why Should Faculty Participate? Small grants are available to students and faculty for supplies for EXL classes. Students have the opportunity to have real world experiences that will help them build their careers and faculty members can be mentors to students through EXL. EXL is a way to build interest in a major (offer several courses in the major and market the degree as an applied degree that will provide students with experiences to enhance their careers). Faculty members can use their EXL activities as support for teaching in the retention, tenure, and promotion processes. Faculty members can use their EXL activities as support for public service in the retention, tenure, and promotion processes. Faculty members may use EXL initiatives as part of external grant applications and for research.