Reaching and Teaching

You would expect faculty from the College of Arts & Sciences to be teaching courses because that is what they are hired to do.  While traditional classroom teaching is a faculty member’s primary responsibility, a faculty member is also likely to be found orchestrating field experiences for students.  Applied experience is an essential element of the college experience today. In fact, a number of CAS programs encourage or require practicum and internship experiences.  Beyond these, faculty find many opportunities to help students gain learning and experience outside the classroom.  We find that these opportunities excite students and generate enthusiasm in various disciplines, prepare them for their careers, and instill within them the love of learning. 

During the academic year as well as during breaks and summers, faculty often travel with students to attend professional conferences and participate in field trips.  During this past year, faculty have helped make these experiences “happen”.

This past spring semester, a group of pre-med students raised money and then participated in a medical mission to Peru in June.  Several faculty members helped along the way though this trip was primarily student planned.  Two CAS faculty members went along as sponsors.  Pre-med students also continue to sponsor the Free Clinic in Pittsburg which provides medical care for individuals who otherwise might not have opportunity.

Two Family & Consumer Sciences students presented posters at the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences annual meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin this June.  Their posters were selected to be part of an undergraduate research session and they received special funding to assist in their travel.  An FCS faculty member and the chairperson of the department encouraged their submissions and plans for travel to the meeting.

You’ve read before about the nursing cross cultural experience in Mexico.  This year there was such interest, two groups of students traveled to Mexico with nursing faculty to assist with medical care south of the border.

Research experiences between undergraduate students and faculty members in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics are ongoing.  Not only do students gain research skills, they also have the wonderful experience of discovery alongside a faculty member and prepare presentations and publications based on these discoveries.  Often, faculty members are able to pay salaries to or find scholarship for students for their research assistance through grants they receive. 

CAS departments, provide wonderful opportunities for high school students throughout the school year and even into the summer.  Spring days find the oval filled with Frisbee throwing as students break from Math Relays, Biology Bowl, Chemistry Capers, and several music festivals.  Other departments sponsor career days to introduce future students to our programs and career opportunities. 

These varied events would not be successful without the energy, creativity, and teamwork of faculty, department chairs, staff, and current students.  You will read about some of these events in this issue of Universitas.  Enjoy!