Progress 09/15/07 to 09/14/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The goal of this project is to strengthen the global competency of students, faculty, and staff in the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (SAES) and to prepare students for a global society by moving from simulated academic experiences to a global experiential practicum. Four objectives are delineated to accomplish this goal: 1) To establish global experiential programs in the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, 2) To conduct faculty workshops that promote student global experiential learning and demonstrate how these experiences can be incorporated into existing curricula; 3) To conduct a global seminar series and 4) To strengthen the Peace Corps Masters International Program in the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. This project has established the Global Studies Committee that finalizes applications for students who must demonstrate how global studies/project relates to one of the six major goals of NIFA Strategic Plan and agree to present seminars on experiences. During this last year of project activity, the committee reviewed and awarded funds to help eighteen students complete their global studies. This year SAES students completed global studies in Australia, China, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Spain and Korea. Students who participated in the global students program have already participated in the annual Study Abroad Fair whereby students showcased and promoted global studies experiences among fellow students and faculty. Fifteen students presented seminars during fall semester 2011. The SAES faculty and global studies students participated in the University's International Education Week activities, November, 2011. Two faculty workshop/conferences have been conducted for faculty (46 faculty attendees from all departments) and one additional faculty lead study abroad workshop was conducted in October, 2011. This project has significantly increased global studies within the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (>200 percent) and has also contributed to the increased attendance at the University's annual Study Abroad Fair (>150). At the Study Abroad Fair SAES students and faculty were invited to display posters, photos and artifacts from their global studies experiences. One Peace Corps Master's International (PC MI) Program student completed service in Guatemala and is scheduled to graduate from the program in December, 2011. The first student to complete the Peace Corps Master's International Program secured employment with the University's Cooperative Extension Program and has been featured this year in US Peace Corps presentation concerning the PC MI Program as well as featured in Peace Corps publications celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps. One MI student and his spouse departed for Peace Corps Azerbaijan in September, 2011 and will serve until 2013. PARTICIPANTS: In addition to the students who participated in the project, the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Global Studies Committee and the Office of International Program were the principal participants. This project established the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Global Studies Committee consisting of Dr. McDowell, Interim Dean, SAES; Dr. Ray, Interim Associate Dean for Academic Program, Professor Department Family and Consumer Sciences; Dr. Ralph Noble, Chair Department of Animal Sciences; Dr. Raczkowski, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design: Dr. Yeboah, Chair Department of Agricultural Economics and Agriscience Education (Project Director); Mr. Owens, Coordinator Peace Corps Master's International Program (Project Co-Director); Kisha Dosunmu, Student Services Manager (SAES); Dr. Clearfield, USDA/NRCS and Dr. Kome, USDA/NRCS. The Committee finalized application document for students who must demonstrate how global studies/project relates to one of the six major goals of NIFA Strategic Plan and agreed to present seminars on experiences. Students from all four departments within the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences participated in this project. In addition, the representatives from the University's Office of International Programs were instrumental in providing support for all participants. This support included logistics, assuring academic transfer credit, program descriptions, insurance, passport photos and additional scholarships. The United States Peace Corps has recognized the importance of our Peace Corps Master's International (PC MI) Program. The Peace Corps Director, Aaron Williams, has visited the campus on two occasions and Peace Corps recruiters visit the campus each semester. TARGET AUDIENCES: This project targeted university students, faculty and staff as well as university administrators. Other collaborating stakeholders included USDA/NRCS representatives, parents and community members as well as stakeholders at the international locations. Through related project activities, this project has encouraged more than fifty-two students to undertake and complete global studies. Three graduates students in the Peace Corps Master's International Program have completed the academic requirements and two have completed their Peace Corps service in Burkina Faso and Guatemala. Because faculty support is paramount for the success of this project, approximately fifty faculty members have been trained as a result of this project. The purposes of the Seminars were to raise global competency of students, faculty, staff, administrators and other stakeholders at the university and community levels. Approximately 1,000 people have attended the seminar series including faculty, staff, students, administrators and family members. Because some students received support for their global studies from local churches, community organizations and clubs, these students were obligated to present seminars to these supporters. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The School of Agriculture and Environment Science has established a global experiential program and has become one of the prominent global studies players at the University and five SAES faculty members have been appointed to the Office of International Program Advisory Council. Through the seminar series participating students have shared their global experiences with students and other stakeholders (faculty, staff, administrators, employers, farmers, etc.). Faculty members have completed another workshop and conference that promoted student global experiential learning and demonstrated how these experiences can be incorporated into existing curricula. The Peace Corps Master's International Program within the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences has produced two students who serve two years with the Peace Corps in addition to the academic requirements. This project has strengthened the University in ways that are important to the University's mission, "To deliver visionary and distinctive interdisciplinary academic studies, research, and service and include global collaborations and partnerships as part of the learning experience." This project built the capacity of the SAES because this project established a Global Experience Program and incorporated international experiences into the curricula. This project addressed the constraints: financial and lack of awareness, structure and opportunity. This project trained faculty, staff and students in global competency; increased their awareness, established a structure (Committee) and provided financial incentives. This project has strengthened the global competency of students, faculty, and staff in the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (SAES) and to prepare students for a global society by moving from simulated academic experiences to a global experiential practicum. This is evident in the attendance at the seminars, study abroad fairs and interest in global projects. Faculty members have a better understanding of global issues and how global experiential opportunities can be incorporated into a student's course of study. Students have a better understanding of international issues important to U.S. agriculture. NC A&T was the first HBCU to have the Peace Corps Master's International Program and the NC A&T Coordinator was awarded the US President's Service Award for his service to the Peace Corps.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 09/15/09 to 09/14/10
Outputs
The goal of this project is to strengthen the global competency of students, faculty, and staff in the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (SAES) and to prepare students for a global society by moving from simulated academic experiences to a global experiential practicum. Four objectives are delineated to accomplish this goal: 1.To establish global experiential programs in the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, 2.To conduct faculty workshops that promote student global experiential learning and demonstrate how these experiences can be incorporated into existing curricula; 3.To conduct a global seminar series that (a) promotes global competency, (b) recruits students for the Peace Corps Masters International Program and SAES Global Experiential Program and (c) shares the global experiences with students and other stakeholders and 4.To strengthen the Peace Corps Masters International Program in the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. This project has established the Global Studies Committee consisting of the Interim Dean, Interim Associate Dean for Academic Program, Chair Department of Animal Sciences, Chair Department of Agricultural Economics and Agriscience Education (Project Director), Coordinator Peace Corps Master's International Program (Project Co-Director), Student Services Manager (SAES), USDA/NRCS project collaborators and faculty representing all four departments. The Committee finalizes application document for students who must demonstrate how global studies/project relates to one of the six major goals of NIFA Strategic Plan and agree to present seminars on experiences. During this reporting period, the committee reviewed and awarded funds to help ten students complete their global studies in Brazil, Great Britain, Ireland, China, Germany and Turkey. Students who studied abroad presented five combined Global Studies Seminars during the spring and fall semesters 2010. The SAES has become one of the prominent global studies players at the University and five SAES faculty members have been appointed to the Office of International Program Advisory Council. This project has significantly contributed to the increased attendance (> 250%) at the University's annual Study Abroad Fair where SAES students and faculty were invited to display posters, photos and artifacts from their global studies experiences. The SAES faculty and global studies students also participated in the University's International Education Week activities, November 2010. One Peace Corps Master's International (PC MI) Program student who graduated from the program last year secured employment with the University's Cooperative Extension Program. One PC MI student is serving in Guatemala. Three additional PC MI students are enrolled in the program. The project provided funds to support four PC MI students enrolled in the program. PRODUCTS: The Global Studies Committee in the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences reviewed applications and selected the following ten students to receive partial funding in the form of transportation or stipends: three students were majoring in the Department of Natural Resources and studied in Turkey, Brazil and Germany. Two students from the Department of Agribusiness studied in Turkey. Three students from the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences studied in China, Turkey and Great Britain. Two students from the Department of Animal Sciences studied in Turkey and Ireland. One global training session was offered to faculty during International Education Week. Six combined Global Studies Seminars were presented in Spring and Fall 2010 by students who had previously studied abroad. OUTCOMES: The School of Agriculture and Environment Science has established a global experiential programs. Through the seminar series participating students have shared their global experiences with students and other stakeholders (faculty, staff, administrators, employers, farmers, etc.). Faculty members have completed another workshop that promoted student global experiential learning and demonstrated how these experiences can be incorporated into existing curricula. The Peace Corps Master's International Program in the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences has one student serving in Guatemala and additional students scheduled for 2011 Peace Corps departure. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: Successes and project information have also been disseminated through annual reports, faculty meetings at the school and departmental levels and through the seminars. The project participates in the university study abroad fairs and students who have participated in the program also participate in the fair with individual tables. The project has also been featured in the School quarterly publication, On The Move, as well as the School's electronic newsletter, AgE-Dispatch. One project person, Mr. John Paul Owens, has been appointed to the University's Committee for the UNC Exchange Program and the Office of International Programs Advisory Council. Four additional SAES faculty have been appointed the same advisory council. Through this committee, the project successes have been distributed throughout the UNC System. FUTURE INITIATIVES: The future initiatives include participating in all activities of the university's study abroad fair and international education Week. Students returning from global studies will continue to present seminars on their activities and experiences in order to raise awareness on global issues. It is anticipated that the Peace Corps Master's International (PC MI) Program will expand to the Department of Animal Sciences thus expanding the pool of PC MI Students. The project will conduct the Capstone Conference during the Spring Semester 2011.
Impacts
Because of this project there is an increased awareness and interest in global issues. This is evident in the attendance at the seminars, study abroad fairs and interest in global projects. Faculty members have a better understanding of global issues and how global experiential opportunities can be incorporated into a student's course of study. Students have a better understanding of international issues important to U.S. agriculture.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 09/15/08 to 09/14/09
Outputs
The goal of this project is to strengthen the global competency of students, faculty, and staff in the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (SAES) and to prepare students for a global society by moving from simulated academic experiences to a global experiential practicum. Four objectives are delineated to accomplish this goal: 1.To establish global experiential programs in the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, 2.To conduct faculty workshops that promote student global experiential learning and demonstrate how these experiences can be incorporated into existing curricula; 3.To conduct a global seminar series that (1) promotes global competency, (2) recruits students for the Peace Corps Masters International Program and SAES Global Experiential Program and (3) shares the global experiences with students and other stakeholders and 4.To strengthen the Peace Corps Masters International Program in the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. This project has established the Global Studies Committee consisting of Dr. McDowell, Interim Dean, SAES; Dr. Ray, Interim Associate Dean for Academic Program, Professor Department Family and Consumer Sciences; Dr. Ralph Noble, Chair Department of Animal Sciences; Dr. Raczkowski, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design: Dr. Yeboah, Chair Department of Agricultural Economics and Agriscience Education (Project Director); Mr. Owens, Coordinator Peace Corps Master's International Program (Project Co-Director); Kisha Dosunmu, Student Services Manager (SAES); Dr. Clearfield, USDA/NRCS and Dr. Kome, USDA/NRCS. The Committee finalized application document for students who must demonstrate how global studies/project relates to one of the six major goals of CSREES Strategic Plan and agree to present seminar on experiences. In-house brochures and flyers have been produced in the School's newspaper and distributed to each department/building within the SAES. The SAES has become the dominate School in the University with respect to global studies. This is event at the University's annual Study Abroad Fair whose attendance has increased more than 200% during the life of this project. The SAES has also excelled during the University's International Education Week activities and SAES faculty lead three of the five events. During the past reporting period, the committee reviewed and awarded funds to help fifteen students complete their global studies in Australia, Belize, France, Ghana, Great Britain, Korea, Malawi, Spain and Turkey. One global training session was offered to faculty during International Education Week. Four combined Global Studies Seminars were presented in Spring and Fall 2008 by students who had previously studied abroad in Turkey, Belize, Spain, Australia, Malawi and China. One Peace Corps Master's International (MI) Program student graduated from the program in December 2008 after completing his service in Burkina Faso. One MI student is serving in Guatemala. Two students are enrolled in the program and should enter the Peace Corps in spring 2010. PRODUCTS: The Global Studies Committee in the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences reviewed applications and selected the following fifteen students to receive partial project funding: two students from the Department of Natural Resources, one student is studying in Korea for the fall semester and one is studying in Ghana for the fall 2009 semester; four students from the Department of Agribusiness studied in Turkey and Malawi for the summer; five students from the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences studied in France and Great Britain during summer sessions; and four students from the Department of Animal Sciences studied in Spain, Australia, Belize and Turkey. One global training session was offered to faculty during International Education Week. Four combined Global Studies Seminars were presented in Spring and Fall 2008 by students who had previously studied abroad in Turkey, Belize, Spain, Australia, Malawi and China. OUTCOMES: The School of Agriculture and Environment Science has established a global experiential programs. Through the seminar series participating students have shared their global experiences with students and other stakeholders (faculty, staff, administrators, employers, farmers, etc.). Faculty members have completed workshops that promoted student global experiential learning and demonstrated how these experiences can be incorporated into existing curricula. The Peace Corps Master's International Program in the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences has graduated its first students with one additional student serving in Guatemala and two additional students scheduled for 2010 spring Peace Corps departure. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: Successes and project information have also been disseminated through faculty meetings at the school and departmental levels and through the seminars. The project participates in the university study abroad fairs and students who have participated in the program also participate in the fair with individual tables. The project has also been featured in the School quarterly publication, On The Move, as well as the School's electronic newsletter, AgE-Dispatch. One project person, Mr. John Paul Owens, has been appointed to the University's Committee for the UNC Exchange Program. Through this committee, the project successes have been distributed throughout the UNC System. FUTURE INITIATIVES: The future initiatives include participating in all activities of the university's study abroad fair and international education Week. Students returning from global students will continue to present seminars on their activities and experiences in order to raise awareness on global issues. Another future imitative of this project will be to develop study abroad courses that are offered through the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.
Impacts
Because of this project there is an increased awareness in global issues. This is evident in the attendance at the seminars, study abroad fairs and interest in global projects. Faculty members now have a better understanding of global issues and how global experiential opportunities can be incorporated into a student's course of study. Students have a better understanding of international issues important to U.S. agriculture.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 09/15/07 to 09/14/08
Outputs
The following project objectives and activities were to be implemented in Year 1: Objective 1- To establish SAES global experiential programs: Establish SAES Global Studies Committee; Publicity Campaign; and Select Students for global studies. Objective 2 - To conduct faculty workshops: Conduct 1 workshop. Objective 3- To conduct a global seminar series: Conduct Type I Seminars. Objective 4 - To strengthen Peace Corps MI Program: Recruit & Award scholarships. All activities have been achieved. GLOBAL STUDIES COMMITTEE: The Committee consists of Dr. McDowell, Interim Dean, School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (SAES); Dr. Ray, Interim Associate Dean for Academic Program, Professor Department Family and Consumer Sciences; Dr. Ralph Noble, Chair Department of Animal Sciences; Dr. Raczkowski, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design: Dr. Yeboah, Chair Department of Agricultural Economics and Agriscience Education (Project Director); Mr. Owens, Coordinator Peace Corps Master's International Program (Project Co-Director); Kisha Dosunmu, Student Services Manager (SAES); Dr. Clearfield, USDA/NRCS and Dr. Kome, USDA/NRCS. The Committee finalized 'application document' for students who must demonstrate how global studies/project relates to one of the six major goals of CSREES Strategic Plan and agree to present seminar on experiences. PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN: In-house brochures and flyers have been produced in the School's newspaper and distributed to each department/building within the SAES. Information has also been disseminated through faculty meetings at the school and departmental levels and through seminars. SELECT STUDENTS FOR GLOBAL STUDIES: Committee reviewed application and selected the following eleven students to receive partial funding from project: Four students from the Department of Natural Resources, one studied in Ireland for the semester and three from Landscape Architecture studied in Italy/Greece for a summer session. One student from the Department of Agribusiness studied in Australia for the summer; Five students from the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences; two studied in Costa Rica and two studied in Great Britain during summer sessions. One student has departed for China for the fall 2008 semester. TRAINING included a Global Competency Conference in November, 2007 as part of International Education Week and a Faculty Training Global Competency Workshop (February, 2008) conducted by the Director of International Program and Fulbright representative. GLOBAL STUDIES SEMINARS were presented in November, 2007, by students who has previously studied abroad through other programs; and Peace Corps representatives conducted a seminar in February, 2008. PEACE COPRS MASTER'S INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM: In the fall 2007, there were two students enrolled in the program and one student was serving in the Peace Corps (Burkina Faso). In fall 2008, there are four students enrolled in the program; one student has completed his Peace Corps Service and will graduate in December, 2008. The coordinator received US Presidential Volunteer award for work with the Peace Corps. PRODUCTS: For Objective 1, a functioning Global Studies Committee has been established in the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. The global studies program is established and successfully placing students in global experiences. Eleven students have so far participated in this global studies project. This is almost three times the number estimated for the first year. For Objective 2, one workshop has been completed with approximately twenty faculty attending. Approximately fifty faculty members attended the Global Conference held in conjunction with International Education Week (November, 2007). For Objective 3, three seminars have been completed with approximately seventy students/faculty attending. The US Peace Corps conducted one of the seminars (February, 2008). For Objective 4, the project has supported five students. Enrollment in the Peace Corps Masters International Program has increased from three to five students. One student has completed his Peace Corps service. OUTCOMES: For Objective 1, global studies have now been incorporated into every department because of project activities and also as part of the UNC Tomorrow initiative. For Objective 2, faculty have become aware of the importance of incorporating global studies into their curricula and how global studies can become part of the curricula. After this project was implemented, the UNC Tomorrow Initiative now mandates that a global component be included in all existing curriculum. For the Objectives 3 & 4, the seminar series have provided attendees with an appreciation of global issues, an increased level of interest and awareness among students, faculty and other stakeholders about the Peace Corps Master's International Program and the global experiential programs. It is anticipated that this accounts for an increased enrollment in both of these programs DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: Project activities and results have been disseminated through the School's electronic newsletters (Ag E-Dispatch) and the School monthly newsletter (On the Move). The project director plans to disseminate project successes at the USDA/CSREES Directors Conference in 2009. FUTURE INITIATIVES: During the second year of project activities one additional faculty training workshop on global competency is planned. This fall students who benefited last year from project funding will present their seminars. In addition, the Peace Corps Master's International student who returned from Peace Corps service will also present his seminar. Many of our global studies students will be participating in activities during International Education Week (November, 2008). Faculty will continue to recruit and nominate students for global studies. A Capstone Conference is planned for the fall of 2009 or the spring of 2010.
Impacts
In addition to the sixteen students this project has helped directly, this project has raised global awareness of the more than one hundred students and faculty who attended the seminars, conference and workshops. The School of Agriculture faculty have already started to incorporate global experiential programs into the existing curriculum. Today, the UNC Tomorrow Initiative for the entire UNC system, is looking at ways that faculty can include a global components in university curricula.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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