Civic Engagement in First Year

1. Civic Engagement in First Year American Democracy Project Annual Meeting June 2012 Rachelle L. Darabi, Ph.D. Missouri State University Keisha L. Hoerrner, Ph.D. Kennesaw State University

2. Why is it important to engage first-year students both in and outside the classroom?

3. Teaching for Social Change “I believe that teaching the skills and perspectives needed for real participation in a democratic society is one of the most revolutionary tasks that an educator … can undertake. It is only through such education that we can hope to create a truly just society….” Dr. Lisa D. Delpit, Mays Chair for Urban Educational Leadership, Georgia State University (Quoted in Teaching for Social Justice, 1998, p. 51)

4. Examples of Civic Engagement at Two Campuses Kennesaw State University Missouri State University

5. Curricular Initiatives

6. Public Affairs Mission • Cultural Competence • Community Engagement • Ethical Leadership • Publicaffairs.missouristate.edu

7. Yearly Public Affairs Theme 2006/07 One World: Many Voices 2007/08 Seeking Solutions: Conflict, Violence, and the Courage to Change 2008/09 Sustainability 2009/10 Evolving Economic Realities 2010/11 Leading in a Global Society 2011/12 Culture of Connectivity 2012/13 Inclusive Excellence

8. Activities across the Year • Introduce Mission and Theme at SOAR (orientation) • Freshman Convocation • GEP 101, First Year Foundations • Common Reader

9. GEP 101:First Year Foundations 2 credit hours 1 credit hour dedicated to Public Affairs Integration of Global Challenges Initiative (ADP) 30 sections of GEP 101 with Integrated Service Learning 16 sections in Curricular Learning Communities 8 sections college or department specific

10. KSU 1111 & KSU 1121 • KSU 1101: Globally focused version of the first-year seminar course that uses the AASCU “Global Challenges” project as its foundation • Anchor for the Presidential Emerging Scholar’s LC • Global engagement emphasized • KSU 1121: Community engagement version of the first-year seminar that uses semester-long, student-designed projects as its foundation

11. KSU’s Common Reader • Started in 2004 with Anne Frank’s Diary: The Definitive Edition • 2007-08: Not For Sale: The Return of the Global Slave Trade – And How We Can Fight It • Multiple initiatives promoting abolitionist movement • 2008-09: Three Cups of Tea • $16,000+ raised • 2009-10: Soul of a Citizen • 2010-12: Outcasts United: An American Town, A Refugee Team, and One Woman’s Quest to Make a Difference • 2012-2013: Justice

12. Assessment Strategies • Missouri State • Public Affairs Scale • Kennesaw State • Assessment of Learning Outcomes Using AAC&U’s VALUE Rubrics • Assurance of Learning annual report • Global Learning annual report

13. Co-Curricular Initiatives

14. KSU: ADP/PEP Projects • Constitution Week Activities • Co-Sponsored Events • Pathways to Peace • Invisible Children screenings • Guest Lectures • Mock Elections • Dramatic Presentations • Art Contest / Essay Contest • New York Times Readership Program

15. Public Affairs Activities • Res Life and Office of Student Engagement Incorporation of PA Theme • Public Affairs Week (Fall Semester, Student Led) • Constitution Day • Hunger Banquet • Public Affairs Speakers • Times Talks (Co-Curricular)

16. PA Activities/Opportunities both Curricular & Co-Curricular • Public Affairs Intensive Experience in the Major • Study Away • Service Learning • Capstone Course • Public Affairs Distinction (Co-Curricular) • Year-long Program • Faculty and Staff Mentors • Global Challenges Initiatives Student Organization

17. Public Affairs Conference

18. Presenters • Dr. Keisha L. Hoerrner Associate Dean, University College Kennesaw State Univ. khoerrne@kennesaw.edu 770-499-3222 • Dr. Rachelle L. Darabi Associate Provost, Student Development and Public Affairs Missouri State University rdarabi@missouristate.edu 417-836-5034