Special Topics for Faculty Practitioners

Attention: Faculty, academic staff, and instructors, new or experienced with community-engaged learning

The following sessions will be offered in fall 2020 and spring 2021 as a series of Special Topics for Faculty Practitioners to discuss academic community-engaged learning at MSU. Community-engaged learning combines academic coursework with the application of institutional resources to address community needs and challenges. Implementation strategies range from direct service to advocacy to research to philanthropy, and more. Sessions focus on course design examples, community partnerships, developing syllabi, managing logistics, and orienting students to enter a community with knowledge of identity, equity, and privilege. They also highlight diverse reflection strategies. Through presentation and discussion, attendees will learn how to get started or enhance what they are already doing and connect to a network of peers and resource supports. All sessions will include recommendations for virtual formatting for community-engaged learning courses.

Creating or Refining Your Community-Engaged Learning Syllabus

Wednesday, December 2

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Zoom

This session will discuss elements of designing a syllabus to outline the community-engaged learning experience and requirements, highlight community partnership, and build in reflection opportunities. We will draw from sample syllabi, templates, and peer testimonials to assist instructors in shaping plans for future courses.

Getting Started: Support for Community-Engaged Learning at MSU

Wednesday, January 27

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Zoom

This session will discuss the support that the Center for Community Engaged Learning can provide to instructors in developing and enhancing course-based community-engaged learning opportunities for students. The gathering will include networking time for participants to connect with each other and share current and/or future project plans.

Community-Engaged Learning in the Classroom: Rubrics, Reflection, and Resources

Thursday, February 25

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Zoom

This session will discuss creative examples, strategies for grading, and best practices for leading students to reflect upon and make meaning of their community-engaged learning experiences. Hear from faculty peers, dialogue with colleagues, and leave with new ideas to enhance student learning and complement your teaching practices.

Community Conversations: The Elements of Community-Engaged Learning Partnerships

Friday, March 26

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Zoom

This session will discuss elements of strong partnerships to effectively co-create community-engaged learning opportunities for students. Hear examples of successful faculty/community partnerships, discuss considerations for initiating and sustaining partnerships, and explore resources to assist you in partnership development or enhancement.

Exploring the Social Change Wheel: Working Toward Anti-Racism, Equity, and an Expanded Definition of Community-Engaged Learning

Monday, April 19

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Zoom

In this workshop we will discuss definitions, tools, and resources related to the Social Change Wheel. Expand your definition of community-engaged learning through exploration of campus and community-based implementation strategies, which have anti-racism, equity, and community partnerships at their core.