ENGAGING LEADERSHIPoffice of experiential education and civic engagement

contentsDirector’s Comments..................1

Upcoming Events.........................2 New Undergraduate Symposium on Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity.............................................2Grant-funded Internships......2Alternative SpringbreaK Trip.3

People & Places ............................4 Service LeadeR spotlight........4 Undergraduate Studies moves to the Library...............................5

OnGoing Programs...................5 Plus-1 Credit................................5 Mentoring Opportunity........5

Previous Events...........................6 2013 Oxfam Social Issues Banquet............................................6 MLK, Jr. Day of Service.............7 Special Thanks.............................8 Flashathon...................................9

Events Calendar........................10

Student Research, Scholarship & Creative Activity

Director’s Comments:

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Office of Experiential Education and Civic Engagement (OEECE)

www.kent.edu/oeece University Library - 5th Floor - Rm 510 / 330-672-7876

Dr. Tina L. Kandakai

Undergraduate Symposium on Research, Scholarship & Creative Activity

(apply today and become eligible for a $500 award!)

Research, scholarship, and creative activities are significant college experiences and Kent State wants to give our students an opportunity to showcase and be recognized for this work. On April 2, 2014, the University will host the Undergraduate Symposium on Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity. The Symposium is one piece of a larger goal to build an infrastructure to make research, scholarly and creative

activities a fundamental component of the Kent State academic experience. Faculty who engage students in research either independently or through course-based projects should encourage students to submit an abstract. Applications for the Symposium will be accepted from students attending all campuses and majors until March 3, 2014. Detailed information can be found at the Undergraduate Research website.

Questions can be directed to Interim Dean Eboni Pringle at:epringle@kent.edu. Please share this opportunity with your students and colleagues.

Cash Awards include $500.00 for first place winners!

A call is also open to faculty members who would be interested in serving as judges. Judging for the Symposium will take place on April 2, 2014

between 12:00 p.m. and 5:00p.m. Abstract reviews will begin on March 4, 2014 and must be completed no later than March 14, 2014 to allow for timely notification to participants. A brief orientation will be provided for judges. Sign up here if you would like to serve as a judge for students in your discipline.

Questions about the abstract review or judging process can be directed to Grant McGimpsey at:wmcgimps@kent.edu. The event is sponsored by the Office of the Provost, the Honors College, Research and Sponsored Programs, Undergraduate Studies, and University Libraries.

Sincerely,

Director, OEECE

Undergraduate Symposium on Research, Scholarship & Creative Activity

(apply today and become eligible for a $500 award!)

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Student Success StoryOMIC Grant-Funded Internships

OEECE is one of two Kent State offices awarded the Ohio Means Internships and Co-Ops (OMIC) Grant, which supports experiential learning opportunities that strengthen the Northeastern Ohio economy. Students can intern with businesses in select industries, gaining invaluable professional experience as well as a paycheck and more. Students earn a stipend of up to $2,200 upon acceptance by companies that have joined the internship program via OEECE. Importantly, students from a variety of majors can take advantage of these internship opportunities. For example, Interchez®, a freight-forwarding company located in Stow has previously requested students with any of the following backgrounds/majors- Marketing, Foreign Language, Information Systems, Visual Communication Design, and Accounting.

Hear what Interchez® has to say about, Amanda Calvin, student intern and Kent State Visual Communications Design student. “Over the past two months, Amanda

has truly b e c o m e a fully e n g a g e d m e m b e r of the c o m p a n y . We often forget she is still a student (a

junior, no less!)... She has produced an incredible amount of marketing materials for us, and has become an essential voice and opinion leader on our staff. As a direct result of having Amanda on staff InterChez® has been able to significantly increase our brand presence and our overall brand standards,” writes Carlos Fuentes,

Interchez® Executive Vice President. It is clear that he and his colleagues have been thoroughly impressed with Amanda’s work. And on a more personal level Amanda shares “a skill set we have been lacking for years and from a personality perspective, everyone really enjoys talking and socializing with her.” Amanda shares this satisfaction in her learning experience with Interchez®. She has gained invaluable experience within (story continued on page 7)

Students who participate in the Undergraduate Symposium can:

• Earn cash awards for exemplary work• Refine research presentation skills• Prepare for other professional opportunities• Share their passion for research with the Kent State community

Students can begin the process by submitting a brief abstract about his or her research project, scholarly initiative or creative activity between January 13 and March 3, 2014.

Details regarding the symposium can be found at http://www.kent.edu/undergradstudies/ugresearch/index.cfm. Questions about the symposium can be directed to Interim Dean Eboni Pringle at epringle@kent.edu.

Details for Students

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FULL!

FULL!

FULL!

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Meet Our People

Student Service Leaders

Student Service Leader: Abbey WoolvertonHometown: Kent, OHMajor: Biology and MathYear in school: SeniorYears as a Service Leader: 4

Student Service Leader: B AuduHometown: NigeriaMajor: Human Resources & Business AdministrationYear in School: SeniorYears as a Service Leader: 4

Abbey has been doing service for many years and has noticed the positive change it has brought to her life and to the lives of others. Service has allowed her to meet new people, and she has become more personable and open with friends and strangers alike. Through service, Abbey has been able to open her eyes and see the world in a different way; and experiences like an Alternative Spring Break trip to Washington, D.C. have made a lasting impact and motivated her to continue to serve.

B has a passion for service; he says there is no better feeling than knowing you are being helpful. His most memorable service experience was his service with MedWish, doing work that would help save lives. He helped package and ship out medical supplies to developing countries. What made this day so memorable was that one of the hospitals they were shipping out to happened to be where B was born. Doing service has allowed B to realize the privileges he has and to see beyond his own perspective and expand his horizons. His passion for service will not be dimming anytime soon.

Whether it is raising money, making food, or helping on projects, Jeremy finds the fun in doing service; he enjoys spending his time helping others. Participating in service has allowed Jeremy to focus on others; he says, “It always keeps me in check. It’s easy to become busy and selfish in college, to focus only on myself, but doing service for others really sets me straight.” He has participated in KSU’s Just 4 A Day, Freshman Day of Service, Campus Kitchen at Kent State University, and Knitting for Those in Need to name a few. However, his most memorable service experience was at last year’s Flash-A-Thon, when little five year-old Leukemia patient, Ava, rapped Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop” and more than 100 people cheered her on with pleasure. He is currently serving as this year’s vice president for the event. Jeremy will graduate this spring and plans to continue school and study for a PhD in either Stem Cell Research or Cancer Biology.Jeremy is an active member and on-going leader in Pi Kappa Alpha and continues to do service because he believes the smallest act of kindness creates the biggest response of gratitude.

Student Service Leader: Jeremy ShawHometown: Cortland, OHMajor: Molecular BiologyYear in school: SeniorYears as a Service Leader: 2

Danielle’s drive to do service has really been sparked by Flash-A-Thon. As a former patient of Akron Children’s Hospital, this project really hits home for Danielle. She loves giving back to the hospital that gave her so much. Her most memorable service experience was last year’s Flash-A-Thon; she says, “The event last year was an emotional and rewarding experience for me.” Danielle will be leading the way at this year’s event as president. Danielle has also participated in an Alternative Spring Break trip, assisted in the Campus Kitchen at Kent State University, and is involved with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation’s Take Steps: Walking Toward a Cure. Through service she has met so many amazing people, learned through those people, and learned how to be a better leader. Danielle will be graduating this spring and heading off to Northeast Ohio Medical University for medical school.

Student Service Leader: Danielle SainatoHometown: Boardman, OHMajor: Integrated Life Science (Pre-Med)Year in School: SeniorYears as a Service Leader: 3

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experiential learning Opportunities

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The Non-Course Activity is a premiere opportunity for students to gain real-world experiences.Through 45 hours of engaged service, students can link their personal interests, community needs to fulfill the Experiential Learning Requirement (ELR). The Non-Course Activity can be completed at any class level (freshman-senior) within all disciplines. All Non-Course Activity applications must be accompanied by a faculty signature of approval. Submitting an application is now easier than

ever through online application system. If you have a site or project in mind or want to explore a potential project, feel free to share your thoughts with an OEECE staff member. To learn about or more about Non-Course opportunities contact us at 330-672-7876.Start your Non-Course Activity application today!

Interested persons should call the OEECE at

330-672-7876 experiential@kent.edu www.kent.edu/oeece

Lake/Olson Center

Service at KSU’s

Career and Community Studies (CCS) is perfect for students of all disciplines!

Academic Mentors

Assist young-adult students with disabilities with course work and/or tutoring support.

Social Mentors

Engage in social events, games, or just are available to just “hang out.”

Independent Living Mentors Support with daily tasks is provided to

students living in dorms.

Office of Experiential Education & Civic Engagement (OEECE)Office of Experiential Education & Civic Engagement (OEECE)Office of Experiential Education & Civic Engagement (OEECE)

Plus-1 Credit Experiential Learning Opportunities!

“Make Your Service Count” “Make Your Service Count” Special Non-Course Opportunity

NON-COURSE Activity - Apply today!

The OEECE has moved to the 5th floor of the Library and will remain in this location until Spring 2015.

Same Phone Number: 330-672-7876

New address:University Library - 5th Floor -Rm 510

1125 Risman DriveKent, Ohio 44242-0001

Office Relocation

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the 2013 Oxfam Social Issues BanquetAwareness & Action: Toward a Hunger-Free World

OEECE hosted Kent State’s third annual Oxfam Social Issues Banquet to the tune of much positive feedback for the banquet’s dynamic interaction amongst all participants and experts. Ali Weber, Jasmine Massa and Josh Lewis, interns with Kent State’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, took the lead in sharing personal stories of fellow Kent State students, who have lived in poverty. Guest speaker, former Kent State student Breanna Spratt, shared portions of her own journey through poverty. The story-telling session, entitled “Ramen Noodles & Rice” set a tone of reflection and compassion while highlighting the need for all Kent State community members to be aware of needs close to home. Small group discussions ensued, with all banquet participants engaging with one another. Local community leaders, both on and off-campus, presented information about their organizations and then facilitated the discussions between students, faculty, community members and

administrators. Discussion topics included; sustainable farming, the geography of poverty, nutrition, farmers markets, the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and more. The small group discussions served as a less formal platform for disseminating information about local resources, service opportunities and program details. Krystal Levstek, a graduate student in Kent State’s Geography department, generated and presented a variety of local and national maps to explicate the spatial relationships of wealth, poverty and hunger. One student’s reflection, “It was cool how there were a variety of ways to learn more about these issues: speaking, presentations, stations with representatives, lots of visual aid with posters, flyers, handouts.” OEECE’s own Dr. Tina Kandakai and Ms. Ann Gosky provided further information and inspiration for participants to connect with community partners and one another beyond the banquet. The small groups merged into a

three-tiered, large, segregated group for meal time. Based on randomly assigned fictitious identities, banquet participants ate meals according to the general income brackets of the world. One “top tier” participant was accosted by a mock law enforcement offical while sharing her three-course full meal with members of the lowest tier, sparking discussion about social control, generosity, fear and more. The immediate experience of the meal elicited the sharing of previous experiences during a final whole group reflection. Student volunteer, Kody Gann reflected on the banquet: “[My] favorite part was the discussion amongst the whole audience after the food game: it was a great chance to reflect on these real issues, and it really connected everyone and allowed ideas and thoughts to flow and voices to be heard.” If interested in joining the Oxfam Banquet planning committee, contact OEECE at 330-672-7876.

Office Relocation

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graphic design, “[but] probably the best aspect of this internship is the people. We all work very well together which is key to any successful job. Everyone enjoys being here which creates a great environment to work in.” When it comes to professional development, Amanda says: “I receive great feedback and critique from anyone I ask.” Amanda also addresses a common challenge for interns: “Sometimes I think interns don’t speak up because they feel like they’re at the end of the ladder and it wouldn’t affect anything... [My] opinion is recognized or even sought after, I’m treated as an equal part of the team.” Her advice to students preparing for

Grant-Funded InternshipS (Continued)

internships: “Make it one of your goals to make friendships and connections with the people you work with. Ask questions! Internships are for learning. Never stop yourself from saying ‘I don’t understand, could you explain?’” And as Amanda stated, do not be afraid to share observations, make suggestions and become a

vital part of the work community. In addition to earning a grant-funded stipend, students also earn experiential learning credit (ELR credit) through participation in the OMIC Immersion Internship Program. To receive ELR credit for Plus-1 or Non-Course Activity, students need to complete an application, 30-45 hours of on-site service and a reflective project with faculty approval. Click here to learn more about these ELR options. For more details on the OMIC Internship Immersion Program, call 330-672-7876 or e-mail alucas4@kent.edu.

“Just 4 a Day:” MLK, Jr. Day of Service Monday, January 20, 2014 marked another year for Kent State University’s Just 4 A Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. More than 150 members from the Kent State community joined together for a “day on, not a day off” in service to others. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service was originated in 1994, eleven years after legislation marked the day as a federal holiday. The day of service is a part of United We Serve, calling all types of Americans to work together in forming solutions to national problems. With this in mind, Kent State University strove to create projects that empowered individuals, strengthened communities, bridged barriers, and created solutions to social problems. Inspired by the life and teachings of Martin Luther King Jr, the university collaborated with regional non-profits to help make this day happen. This year, with the help of Campus Kitchen Project, Hattie Larlham, Center of Hope, Habitat for Humanity Restore, and many more, volunteers were able to serve at sites that address the causes they are passionate about. At Campus Kitchen

volunteers helped prepare a meal that will be given to a local non-profit agency. Volunteers were also able to help organize food for the upcoming semester. At Habitat for Humanity Restore, volunteers helped out by completing projects around the store. Some volunteers prepared and served lunch to those in the Kent area at the Center of Hope. Volunteers at Hattie Larlham, a provider of residential care for people with developmental disabilities, participated in arts and crafts with residents, who wanted to do service as well. Then, upon return to the Cohn Center our volunteers made Valentine’s Day cards for the residents they spent time with. Other sites included Kent Social Services, three different Goodwill stores, Springtime of Hope, United Way, Ronald McDonald House in Cleveland, Stow-Glen Retirement Community, and Haven of Rest. Upon reconvening at the Cohn Jewish Student Center, the majority of the volunteers had feelings of empowerment, personal growth, and satisfaction. They all enjoyed their time and enjoyed working

with the people at their site. MLK Day allowed each volunteer to take a step back and realize the privileges that they each have. Most agreed that the day’s events were very beneficial, both for those doing service and those receiving service. The common consensus was that they would all do it again. At the end of the day’s activities, the Office of Experimental Education and Civic Engagement asked each of the volunteers to sign a Social Justice Pledge Card and to state one thing they want to do to make a difference. Some volunteers made statements about helping to make the world healthier by focusing on nutrition and longevity, and to help produce non GMO foods, and most pledged to always find time to continue doing service, no matter their schedules. There is no greater feeling than the satisfaction of finding just a few moments to do a little service because a little goes a long way.

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The 2013 Oxfam Social Issues BanquetA Most Special Thanks To...

Our Campus Collaborators Dr. Todd Diacon, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost

Eboni Pringle, Interim Dean, Undergraduate StudiesDr. Alfreda Brown, Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Iris Harvey, Vice President, University Relations and Chief Officer for Marketing,Communications and Government Relations

Shannon Cowling, Coordinator, Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services, Student Accessibility ServicesThe University Bookstore

Olivia Krise, Coordinator and Sign Language Interpreter, Student Accessibility ServicesInclusive Actions Movement (I Am)

Jackie Parsons, Executive Director, University Dining ServicesCarmen Roberts, Business Manager, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Josh Lewis, Division of Diversity, Equity & InclusionAli Weber, Intern, Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Jasmine Massa, Intern, Division of Diversity, Equity & InclusionBreanna Spratt, guest speaker, Kent, OH

Kent State University Student AmbassadorsAll who have supported us by encouraging student participation

Our Expert DIscussion LeadersAli Weber, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Intern

Joshua Lewis, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion InternKelly Ferry, Manager of Haymaker Farmers' Market, Kent, OH

Melanie Knowles, Manager of Sustainability, Kent State UniversityKrystal Levstek, graduate student, Community Geography, KSU

Anne Marie Mann-Noble, Director, Emergency Outreach Services for Family & Community Services, IncJennifer Mapes, Assistant Professor, Geography Department, KSU

Rocco Russo, Assistant Coordinator of the Center for Nutrition Outreach, KSU & graduate student, Nutrition & Dietetics, KSU

Jacqueline Telmanik, Director of Nutrition Outreach for the Campus Kitchen at Kent State University and graduate student, Nutrition & Dietetics, KSU

Our Community PartnersLoveLight, Inc. represented by Betsy Justice, Executive Director

WHOAMAN, LLC represented by Coach Tyrone White, CEO/FounderThe Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, KSU

The Office of Sustainability, KSUThe Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank

The American Red CrossCampus Kitchen at Kent State University

Change Hunger of Portage County Family & Community Services, Inc.

Freedom House for WomenMedWish International

Portage Learning CentersSpringtime of Hope

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Kent State’s second annual Flash-A-Thon will be here before we know it. Kent State hopes to “help make miracles” with a 12 hour dance marathon. The dance marathon is to celebrate the money raised, the families of patients, and the patients themselves; we want to “dance for the kids who can’t.” This year’s goal is $20,000 (last year’s efforts raised $13,854.65) for Showers Family Center for Childhood Cancer & Blood Disorders at Akron Children’s Hospital Hematology and Oncology Department. Akron Children’s Hospital is a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital; they help facilitate “Thons” across North America. After last year’s success, advice from Penn State and Ohio State, more support from student organizations, and the support of her committee, President Danielle Sainato has confidence in this year’s event. She has a strong heart for this project; she was once a patient at Akron Children’s Hospital Hematology and Oncology Department. She expresses, “We require registered dancers and volunteers to stand for all

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12 hours of the event. We know this seems like an extreme feat, but we ask everyone to remember our motto ‘We stand for those who can’t.’” She wants everyone to know that seeing the patients and their families is what makes the experience rewarding and standing for 12 hours feels like nothing once you hear some of their stories. Flash-A-Thon is not the only event going on to raise money; this has been a yearlong process. There has been a bracelet sale, Zumbathon, and canning (a door to door method to ask for donations.) Even still, Danielle says that the most important way they raise money is through the yearlong efforts of the dancers. She challenges all dancers to set their goal to $100. Flash-A-Thon members met with KSU’s FLASHanthropy, student organization to encourage philanthropy on campus, to discuss collaborating in supporting each other. The dance marathon is Saturday, April 12, 2014 from noon to midnight at the Kent State Student Recreation and Wellness Center. Register and pay only $15 for three meals and a t-shirt. Dancers (single or teams) and

volunteers can enjoy DJs, bands, dance team performances, a corn hole tournament, a game room, and the inspirational stories shared by patients and their families. Come “help make miracles” and do it FOR THE KIDS! For more information go to h t tp : / /www.he lpmakemi rac les .org/event/ksuflashathon or email Danielle at ksuflashathon@gmail.com and follow them for updates on Facebook (KSU Flashathon) and Twitter (@ksuflashathon.)

Flashathon10

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UPCOMING EVENTS

2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22 Super Service Saturdays

2/17 Undergraduate Symposium on Research, Scholarly & Creative Activities: Abstract Submission Deadline

Every Week See Reoccuring Events (Blue Box Below)

3/1, 3/8, 3/15 Super Service Saturdays

3/20 - 3/28 Alternative Spring Break- 8 Trips

Every Week See Reoccuring Events (Blue Box Below)

4/5, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26 Super Service Saturdays

4/2 (1pm-5pm) Undergraduate Symposium on Research, Scholarly & Creative Activities 4/3 The 2014 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll: Application Deadline

4/10 Showcase of Excellence in Experiential Learning: A Celebration of Engagement & Service

Every Week See Reoccuring Events (Blue Box Below) 5/3 Super Service Saturdays

Every Week See Reoccuring Events (Blue Box Below)

MONTH EVENT, TIME, & LOCATION(click on the events for registration/more info)

Every Wednesday Make Sandwiches & Back Pack Program, 5pm-6:30pm Every Thursday Campus Kitchen Cooking, 2pm-5pm, Beall Hall 2nd Floor Kitchen Every Friday The Bridge* Program *The Bridge is an outreach to the homeless in Akron, Ohio. Every Friday from 5pm-7pm. Stu-dents are asked to meet at Beall Hall loading dock. A PB&J sandwich and meal preparation for ‘The Bridge’ will be held every Thursday 5pm–7pm, Beall Hall 2nd floor kitchen.

DATE/DAY

February

March

April

May

Reoccuring

Events

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