Strategic Planning Applied Learning or Research Experience
Approval Form
Complete form and attach to
University Curriculum Change Form for curriculum and program changes
Applied learning and research are critical elements of Wichita State University's strategic plan. This is articulated clearly in the vision—“Wichita State University is internationally recognized as the model for applied learning and research”—and in strategic goal 1—“Guarantee an applied learning or research experience for every student by each academic program.”
The strategic plan further explains the intent of goal 1:
The purpose of this goal is to ensure that every student who graduates from Wichita State University experiences applied learning or translational research across all of their studies. This goal will be a condition of graduation rather than merely an opportunity. Applied learning and research will be infused throughout students' educational experiences. Real world experience (experiential learning) that allows students to develop and apply their skill sets will be incorporated into the curriculum of each academic unit. This goal is not achieved by simply offering a capstone course or a graduate project. It is not the sole responsibility of the Office of Cooperative Education and Work-Based Learning or some other program on campus. Rather it is the responsibility of each and every academic program to ensure that all students who come through their program apply their skill set in real world contexts. The achievement of this goal will look different in every program.
This may seem like an obstacle for some. It is not—it is an opportunity. It is an opportunity to change our way of thinking and achieve our vision of being the model for applied learning and research. It challenges us to move our academic programs from “in curriculum” to “designed by the student.”
To ensure fulfillment of goal 1, it is necessary to confirm that each student meets a college, department, or program graduation requirement that an applied learning or research experience is met through satisfactory completion of designated courses or experiences that meet a set of defined criteria. In 2015, the Strategic Planning Phase 2 Steering Committee, composed of faculty representation from every college, developed a definition and set of criteria for applied learning, as well as a process for documenting and measuring applied learning or research experiences at Wichita State University.
The form below provides a mechanism for documenting a substantive applied learning
or research experience within your college, department, or program.
Recognizing that some programs can more quickly fulfill this goal than others, there
are three planning horizons from which to choose. Complete the contact information
below and check the box that indicates your planning horizon for guaranteeing an applied
learning or research experience for your graduates.
College, Department, or Program ______________________________________________________
Name of contact person _____________________________________________________________
Email of contact person _____________________________________________________________
The above listed college, department, or program will implement an applied learning or research experience as a graduation requirement for its students:
? now. We plan to implement an applied learning or research experience as a graduation
requirement for the Fall 2018 catalog. See attached proposal.
• Proposal Due: February 1, 2017
? in one year. We are very close but it will take us a year to develop a proposal
to ensure all of our students graduate with an applied learning or research experience.
The graduation requirement will be in place for the Fall 2019 catalog.
• Proposal Due: February 1, 2018
? in two years. It will take much thought and reflection to develop a proposal to
ensure that all of our students graduate with an applied learning or research experience.
The graduation requirement will be in place for the Fall 2020 catalog.
• Proposal Due: February 1, 2019
Describe requirements for the guaranteed Applied Learning or Research Experience.
To fulfill the requirements for a guaranteed Applied Learning or Research Experience in _____________________________________ at WSU, each student that graduates from _____________________________________1 will complete the following program course requirements:
[Insert requirements to guarantee an Applied Learning or Research Experience for each graduate of this college, department, or program]
Note: Thesis and dissertation courses fit the applied learning definition and criteria.
If a thesis or dissertation is a program requirement, the remainder of this form does
not need to be completed.
Describe how the Applied Learning or Research Experience fits the definition of applied learning below:
Definition:
Applied learning occurs when students develop knowledge, skills, and values from
personal direct experiences that go beyond the traditional lecture or lab. Applied
learning encompasses a variety of activities including service learning, undergraduate
research, theses, dissertations, and other creative (e.g., live performances) and
professional services (e.g., practicums, internships, clinical rotations, and cooperative
education).
[Insert description of how the requirements fit the applied learning definition]
Describe how the Applied Learning or Research Experience fits the six applied learning criteria below:
Criteria:
To be considered Applied Learning, the personal direct experience must fit the above
definition and all the following criteria:
1. mirrors or embodies knowledge and practice in real world situations
2. prepares student for a career or post graduate education
3. involves development or creation of a work product, service, or idea
4. includes occupationally focused work
5. applies learned program skills
6. engages populations outside the classroom
Criterion Description of how the required experience meets the criterion
1
2
3
4
5
6
Note: Other experiential opportunities that fit the definition of applied learning may be submitted for consideration. Attach explanation of exception to be considered.
Strategic Planning Applied Learning or Research Experience
Routing Sheet
A. Date initiated by faculty _______________________
B. Program Name ____________________________________________________________________
C. Strategic Planning Advancement Committee:
? Endorsed
? Not Endorsed (feedback attached)
Note: Attach completed form to the University Curriculum Change Form for routing
signatures.