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Missouri State University

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Missouri State University | Plaster Student Union | 901 S. National Ave | Suite 131

(417) 836-5774 | volunteer@missouristate.edu | missouristate.edu/volunteer

Immersion Programs

This Advisor Handbook outlines the mission and vision of Missouri State Immersion Programs, identifies the

roles and responsibilities of Faculty/Staff Advisors, and outlines policies and procedures to be used

before, during, and after a trip.

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Contents

Welcome ......................................................................................................................................... 4

Overview of Missouri State Immersion .......................................................................................... 5

Community Involvement & Service ................................................................................................ 6

Break Away ..................................................................................................................................... 6

Active Citizen Continuum ................................................................................................................ 8

Eight Components ........................................................................................................................... 9

Immersion Partner Roles .............................................................................................................. 10

Faculty/Staff Advisor Roles ........................................................................................................... 11

Essential Responsibilities .............................................................................................................. 12

Safety ............................................................................................................................................ 13

Finances ........................................................................................................................................ 16

Transportation .............................................................................................................................. 18

Food .............................................................................................................................................. 19

Contacts ........................................................................................................................................ 20

Trip Information ............................................................................................................................ 21

Education & Reflection ................................................................................................................. 22

Making the Most of a Smart Phone: ............................................................................................. 28

Blogs .............................................................................................................................................. 29

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Non-Discrimination Policy Statement

G1.05 Non-Discrimination Policy Statement

Missouri State University is a community of people with respect for diversity. The University emphasizes the dignity and equality common to all persons and adheres to a strict non-discrimination policy regarding the treatment of individual faculty, staff, and students. In accord with federal law and applicable Missouri statutes, the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including ancestry, or any other subcategory of national origin recognized by applicable law), religion, sex (including marital status, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other subcategory of sex recognized by applicable law), age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law in employment or in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the University. Sex discrimination encompasses sexual harassment, which includes sexual violence, and is strictly prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

This policy shall not be interpreted in a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

The University maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Minority/Female/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity employer. Inquiries concerning the complaint/grievance procedure related to sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual assault, should be addressed to the Title IX Coordinator, Carrington Hall 205, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65897, JillPatterson@missouristate.edu, 417-836-8506, or to the Office for Civil Rights. All other inquiries concerning the grievance procedure, Affirmative Action Plan, or compliance with federal and state laws and guidelines should be addressed to the Equal Opportunity Officer, Office for Institutional Equity and Compliance, Park Central Office Building, Suite 111, Springfield, Missouri 65897, equity@missouristate.edu, 417-836-4252, or to the Office for Civil Rights. (Res. Board Policies No. 70-11; Bd. Min. 10-28-11.)

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Welcome to the Missouri State University Immersion Programs!

Dear Faculty and Staff Advisor,

We are so excited that you have decided to take part in these Immersion Programs and to serve alongside dedicated student leaders. Your mentorship and guidance will be invaluable on these trips.

While the Immersion Trips are student-led, we are committed to offering service opportunities to all members of the Missouri State University community. We believe that faculty and staff bring unique perspectives to the social and environmental issues we address on these trips, and can help support our student leaders in their development. Thank you in advance for the work you will do in communities across the country, and also for the work you will do with our students. The key to student learning on these trips is through immersion in a new community, examining social issues, and reflection on group members’ observations and experiences. Your role as an Advisor is a key element in making this learning successful!

The information provided in this handbook is intended to provide a more in-depth look at the Missouri State Immersion Programs, give specific information about your trip, and outline your roles and responsibilities as an Advisor. Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time before, during, or after your trip if you have additional questions.

Thank you again for committing to such an important role for our programs – we look forward to getting to know you. Welcome to Missouri State Immersion, and prepare yourself for an awesome journey!

Yours in Service,

Alex Johnson

Alex B. Johnson Director of Community Involvement & Service Student Development & Public Affairs AlexJohnson@missouristate.edu 417.836.5774

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Overview of Missouri State Immersion

History

Immersion Programs began in 2012 as a student-run initiative through Bear Breaks, a student organization whose mission it was to create service opportunities for other students. This student organization was advised by Community Involvement & Service Staff. That year, two trips were planned to Memphis, TN and Chicago, IL. Interest from students more than tripled by 2014, and the decision was made to incorporate Immersion Trips as official Missouri State University programs. Leadership from Bear Breaks is essential to the planning and leading of these trips.

Mission

To extend opportunities for the Missouri State University community to learn about the importance of community engagement, immerse themselves in the culture and issues of others, and grow from “volunteers” into Active Citizens. These programs seek to engage MSU to foster experiential learning opportunities that enhance the Missouri State Public Affairs Mission.

Pop the college bubble. Be fully present. Spread the Love.

Vision

Missouri State University students, faculty, and staff will be active citizens by engaging in positive social change in local, national, and global communities.

Since the program began in 2012, students have travelled to various communities during Fall, Spring, and Summer breaks:

Ashville, NC

Atlanta, GA

Bluefields, Jamaica

Chicago, IL

Dallas, TX

Indianapolis, IN

Little Rock, AR

Monteverde, Costa Rica

New Orleans, LA

Springfield, MO

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Missouri State University

Community Involvement & Service

Community Involvement & Service is a set of programs focused on involving students in meaningful experiences throughout the community. These programs seek to engage students to foster experiential learning opportunities that enhance the Missouri State University public affairs mission. We develop students who are active citizens of enhanced character, sensitive to the needs of community, competent and committed in their ability to contribute to a global society, and civil in their habits of thought, speech, and action.

Community Involvement & Service offers a series of opportunities including one-time service events in the Springfield community, immersion trips, ongoing service experiences, and connections to local community agencies. Students can participate and get involved with any of these opportunities.

We also serve the Springfield community by offering community agencies the ability to reach out to students and bridge the connection between students and community partners. We are committed to the ongoing support and development of the non-profit community in Springfield. Through these agencies, we are able to help address the social issues that affect our community.

volunteer@missouristate.edu

Center for Community Engagement

@MOStateCCE

missouristate.edu/volunteer

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Break Away

Break Away: the Alternative Break Connection, Inc. is a national nonprofit organization that supports the development of quality alternative break programs by providing training and information primarily to colleges, universities, and nonprofit organizations interested in creating lifelong active citizens through these intensive service-learning programs.

Social movement theorist David Snow defines a social movement as "the conscious strategic efforts by groups of people to fashion shared understandings of the world and of themselves that legitimate and motivate collective action." Break Away provides leadership to the alternative break movement, which is simply put - college and university student leaders who are committed to deeper understanding and direct service on social issues, as well as the transformation of participants into life-long active citizens.

Missouri State University is a member of Break Away and part of its movement. This network allows our university to collaborate with other institutions and Alternative Breaks across the country. Break Away’s model for effective trips serves as a basis for ours, including the 8 Components of a trip and the Active Citizen Continuum.

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Active Citizen Continuum

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Eight Components

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Immersion Partner Roles

Participants

Over 60 students participate in Immersion Trips each year. There are approximately 8-10 student participants on each trip. Participants often become Trip Leaders in the future.

Trip Leaders

Immersion Trip Leaders spend a semester leading a team and facilitating meaningful discussions on social justice and social change. Trip Leaders participate in a semester-long training process and are responsible for planning and facilitating learning before, during and after trips.

Faculty/Staff Advisors

Each trip is accompanied by Faculty/Staff Advisor(s) serving as the main Advisors for each team’s Trip Leaders to support them during the implementation of the trip. They are encouraged to use their experience and knowledge to support trip leaders in emergency or conflict resolution situations.

Community Partners

Community Partners interact directly with the community in which the group will serve. They help organize the direct service, and serve as resources for education, orientation, and training.

MSU Immersion

Trips

Participants

Community Partners

Faculty/Staff Advisors

TripLeaders

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Faculty/Staff Advisor Roles

Respond to Emergencies

Faculty/Staff Advisors implement university policy, serve as the point person and university representative during any emergencies, and mind the health and safety of participants.

Advise Trip Leaders

Advisors stay behind the scenes, allowing Trip Leaders to be the lead contact for community partners. When necessary, Advisors can help to smooth over misunderstandings and strengthen relationships amongst student participants and community partners. Advisors should encourage and support trip leaders as the primary guides, facilitators, and leaders.

Act as a Role Model for Participants

Advisors participate fully in the Immersion experience, engaging in reflection, serving alongside students, attending pre-trip and post-trip meetings. Faculty/Staff Advisors can contribute their unique experiences with the social issue, provide perspective and support regarding cultural differences, and provide challenge and support to Trip Leaders during trip planning, and to participants during Immersion Trip reflections and service.

Deepen Learning and Engagement

Advisors often bring an experienced or academic perspective to reflections ad can challenge participants to think about what they have learned in different ways. They can also encourage participants to connect experiences to larger social structures and systems of inequality.

Coordinate Finances and Logistics

Exempt Faculty/Staff Advisors manage finances during the trip, including payment for gas, food, educational expenses, etc. The process for taking out a Travel Advance and completing an Expense Report is outlined in the following pages. Advisors will work side-by-side with Trip Leaders and the Immersion Program Advisors to determine expenses and to finalize a trip budget.

Serve as Drivers

Advisors are captains of the ship (minivan) during the Immersion Trip.

Ultimately, the Immersion Program is student-driven, and we ask that Advisors give student leaders the opportunity to exercise their leadership ‘muscles.’ This may involve them making some decisions that you yourself would not make if you were the leader of the group, or them taking longer to arrive at certain decisions. If their decision will result in a hazardous situation, it would be appropriate to step in and suggest a different approach—a debrief of which could be a great learning opportunity for the students. Otherwise, we encourage Advisors to let the students figure things out for themselves.

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Tips from Past Faculty/Staff Advisors

Get to know your trip leaders and participants beforehand.

Learn as much as you can about the topic.

Be flexible with your schedule!

Invest in the Trip Leader/Advisor relationship

Listen and participate in ALL activities.

Make sure you get your trip leaders to sit down with you prior to the trip.

Show up to meetings organized by your trip leaders! Let the participants know who you

are.

Ask lots of questions.

Don't judge if a student has a somewhat limited worldview - he/she is young!

Have high expectations and high support of Trip Leaders.

Learn to compromise. Respect the opinions and ideas of your participants in making

decisions.

Be sure to enter all the addresses and phone numbers you could possibly need into your

phone before you leave. It's very possible no one else will think to do so.

Don't be afraid to step in and be an authority figure if you need to be.

Let your trip leaders lead, but be available to help them.

Prepare yourself for the idea that you may have to send someone home, take a

participant to the hospital or deal with vehicle-related troubles. These types of things do

happen, and they don't necessarily mean your trip was "bad."

Work behind the scenes to make your Trip Leaders look awesome in the group dynamic

Essential Responsibilities

There are some essential Advisor responsibilities that comply with Missouri State University regarding safety, finances, and transportation. There are also some guidelines and resources we have for you use in order to share trip information and gather feedback for our office.

Please reference each of the items beyond this point by clicking the link or referring to the Appendices. Many of these are required paperwork and noted in (*). All required paperwork needs to be turned in to Community Involvement & Service – PSU 131 before your trip.

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Safety

Participant Policies Participants must adhere to all MSU policies including the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities and all policies of Bear Breaks Immersion Program. Participants are required to fill out an agreement that includes program and university policies and standards of conduct. Additionally, all trip leaders and participants should adhere to the following guidelines:

Students must always travel in groups with at least one Trip Leader.

Students cannot be left at your lodging or any other location if they do not wish to participate in an activity. They must stay with the group.

When traveling, Advisors, Trip Leaders, and participants must wear seat belts.

The use, possession, or purchase of alcohol or drugs is prohibited.

If a participant violates the alcohol/drug policies, trip leaders should notify the Faculty/Staff Advisor who will fill out an incident report and contact the Program Advisor to determine if the participant will be sent home.

Emergencies

Despite everyone’s best efforts, emergencies and unexpected situations happen (broken ankles, bark poisoning, flat tires), so here are a few tips on what you can and should do.

Know the Phone Numbers EVERY participant should have the On-Call Advisor, Faculty/Staff Advisor, and Trip Leaders’ phone numbers into their cell phones! As the Advisor, you should have everyone’s phone number handy (and preferably programmed into your phone). Keep a list of everyone’s cell phone numbers in your pocket and give a copy of the list to everyone on the trip. This will help keep track of people in airports, in different vans, at different sites, on public transportation, etc. and ensure that participants can call even if their cell phone is lost, dead, or damaged. In any emergency, make sure participants alert the Advisor and Trip Leaders immediately.

Insurance

Students who are not covered under their parents' or guardians' health insurance plan or have no coverage of their own are encouraged to purchase health insurance.

International students are required to purchase this insurance in order to attend Missouri State University. Each international student's account will be charged for required health insurance when they register for classes each semester.

If a student needs meds or medical care and it’s not covered by insurance, it’s their responsibility to pay. Encourage them to have a credit card and a conversation with parents or guardians prior to trip.

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What To Do in Case of an Emergency First and foremost, put your own problem solving skills to work to do whatever is necessary

to solve it in the immediate. Always carry the emergency contact forms for each participants during the trip. Be

prepared to provide these to emergency/hospital personnel, university officials, or others if necessary and appropriate.

Call the On-Call Advisor or other emergency contacts for the trip to update him/her/zir on the situation. Keep him/her/zir updated as the situation evolves and is resolved.

If someone has to go to the hospital, the Advisor MUST go with them to the hospital. One Trip Leader may accompany the Advisor, but the other must stay back with the group.

FILL OUT THE INCIDENT REPORT FORM on the next page.

The Immersion Trip First Aid Kit A basic first aid kit will be sent with you on the trip. The goal of the kit is to provide the immediate first aid you would need while you get to a hospital and for very basic care. It certainly does not have everything to handle an emergency, so trip leaders should have a discussion with participants about medications and other possible needs while on the trip.

Other Resources Center for Dispute Resolution resources: http://www.missouristate.edu/cdr/Links.htm

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MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND SERVICE IMMERSION ROGRAMS

INCIDENT REPORT FORM This form is for the immediate documentation and reporting for crime, medical emergencies, violence, harassment complaints, etc.

during Community Involvement and Service Immersion Programs. It is a confidential report and should not be made part of students’ or employees’ personal record. The purpose of the form is to assist Community Involvement and Service in providing appropriate student follow up, obtaining advice from legal counsel, and protecting the University against potential liability.

PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE PERSON INVOLVED IN THE INCIDENT

FULL NAME __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ M-NUMBER____________________________ DATE OF BIRTH _______________________________ GENDER M F PHONE__________________________________ E-MAIL ___________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

INFORMATION ABOUT THE INCIDENT DATE OF INCIDENT_______________________________ TIME OF INCIDENT _________________________________________ LOCATION OF INCIDENT___________________________________________________________________________________________ DESCRIBE WHAT HAPPENED (include as much detail as possible; attach separate sheet if necessary. If the incident involved a crime, provide the name and/or description of the offender) _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

POLICE NOTIFIED? Y N CASE NUMBER ______________________________________________ If a police report was filed, list the name of the city where it was filed._____________________________________ WAS THE INDIVIDUAL INJURED? Y N DESCRIBE INJURY IN DETAIL_____________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ WAS MEDICAL CARE PROVIDED? Y N Refused WHERE? _______________________________________ WERE THERE ANY WITNESSES? Y N (if yes, attach separate sheet with names and contact info.)

REPORTER INFORMATION

PRINT NAME_____________________________ SIGNATURE_____________________________ DATE_______________________ PHONE____________________________________ E-MAIL _________________________________________________________________

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Finances

Missouri State Immersion Programs are funded through student payments and funds raised through the Bear Breaks organization. Each participant pays $300 (including a $150 non-refundable deposit). These funds are allocated into University B-Funds designated for each trip to pay for housing, food, transportation, educational experiences, etc.

B-Funds for trips are as follows:

B02567 - Ashville Immersion

B02626 – Georgia Immersion

B02568 - Dallas Immersion

B02569 - Indy Immersion

B02570 - Springfield Immersion

B02571 - NOLA Immersion

If cash is allocated to participants for travel/meals, make sure to fill out a Group Travel/Meal Money Form and have all participants sign.

Guiding Principle: Be frugal. Remember the “living simply” model we’re going for. Funds are meant to be used wisely and not completely expended. All of the budgets will have a cushion in case of emergencies. However, these cushions should not be dipped into unless there are emergencies and if possible, make sure to talk to the Program Advisor.

This experience is meant to immerse ourselves in the community. The money will be spent mostly on housing, food, and educational opportunities (museums, etc.)

At the end of the trip: you will need to complete an Expense Report Form and turn it into Financial Services (Carrington 424/113).

*Travel Advance Form (Required for Exempt Faculty/Staff): http://apps.missouristate.edu/financialservices/forms/travel/foreign_travel_advance.pdf

Travel Advance Policies:

http://www.missouristate.edu/policy/op8_22_1_traveladvances.htm

*Expense Report Form(Required): http://apps.missouristate.edu/financialservices/Forms/travel/Travel_Expense_Report_Edit.pdf

Travel Reimbursement Policies: http://www.missouristate.edu/policy/op8_22_6_travelreimbursement.htm

Group Travel/Meal Money Form: http://apps.missouristate.edu/financialservices/Forms/Travel/Team_travelmeal_money.pdf

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Finances Timeline

Step 1:

Faculty/Staff Advisors work with trip leaders during Fall 2015/Spring 2016 to come up with an appropriate budget.

Budget sheet is attached in packet.

Step 2:

Faculty/Staff Advisors complete a Travel Advance Form (attached in packet).

Finish form at least 10 days before the trip (takes approximately three weeks for funds to be deposited into your account)

This form allows you to gain access to university funds that are directly deposited into your personal account and allows you to make purchases aligned with your predetermined budget.

To set up Non-Payroll Direct Deposit: o Log in to My Missouri State o Go to the Profile tab o Click Non-Payroll Direct Deposit (listed under Account Balance and Payments)

Step 3:

While on the trip KEEP ALL RECEIPTS

Including receipts for gas and meals. You will be provided a little pouch in your binder where you can store all receipts.

Step 4:

Complete an Expense Report (attached in packet) within 30 days of the trip.

All information provided on this sheet must be backed up by your receipts o ALL original receipts must be attached

Please have two copies: o One for your records o One for Financial Services (Carrington Hall Rm. 119 B)

Please deliver your Expense Report with ORIGINAL receipts to Financial Services.

MUST BE COMPLETED WITHIN 30 DAYS

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Transportation

All drivers will need to complete a Driver Form (and submit a copy of a valid driver’s license) and review the University Vehicle Policies. Some trips will be taking Enterprise Vehicles, which fall under University Policies as well.

*Driver Form (Required): http://www.missouristate.edu/assets/safetran/universityDriverregistration.pdf University Vehicle Policies: http://www.missouristate.edu/policy/op9_04_universityfleetvehicle.htm Accident Report Form: http://www.missouristate.edu/assets/safetran/accidentReport.pdf Accident Witness Report Form: http://www.missouristate.edu/assets/safetran/accWitness.pdf

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Food

Like travel, food options and delivery methods are unique to each trip. While the responsibility for this lies primarily with your Trip Leaders, be inquisitive. Here’s a basic outline of all the possible methods and things to know about each one:

**First and foremost, know the dietary restrictions of your team**

Meals included

All meals will may be provided by the organization.

Some meals may be provided as a portion of program fees. Trip Leaders should know what meals are provided and what meals are not.

Vegetarian options should be available, but they may not be extensive. Trip Leaders ask.

Purchasing or bringing extra snacks is suggested.

Cooking Your Own Meals

Most trips will have to cook meals for the group. Trip Leaders are encouraged to find low-cost or no cost housing that includes a kitchen or find a community center nearby to prepare all meals.

Trip Leaders should plan the menu before the trip, make one giant shopping list, and then take a couple students shopping once you arrive.

Lunch may be provided by the organization, but not always. Trip Leaders should ask.

If you do eat out, consider how much money is in the food budget to determine how much each participant can spend, including tip.

Trips are advertised to be all inclusive, and students should not be asked to spend their own money on meals unless the group is in agreement.

Top Tips

It’s cheaper to buy bottled water in bulk but even cheaper to bring reusable bottles.

Check out the kitchen to see what pots/pans/cooking knives/serving spoons they have.

Don’t forget to buy utensils, bowls, cups, paper bags, and other basic supplies.

Make sure to label all your food in common kitchens so it doesn’t disappear.

One Way to Organize Meals

Figure out the number of times you’ll be eating out and which nights.

Create teams and assign them to meals.

Buy breakfast options and students get them on their own as they wake up.

Create a sandwich assembly line. Assign teams to each day.

Try to plan dinner menus out in advance – what can you cook a lot of for not a lot of money? Assign teams to each night.

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Contacts

On-Call: Alex Johnson, Director for Community Involvement & Service: alexjohnson@missouristate.edu, (o) 417.836.5774 (c) 417.699.0415

Trip Leaders Phone Number Email Address

Trip Participants Phone Number Email Address

Trip Advisors Phone Number Email Address

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Trip Information

Trip Focus:

Trip Location and Time Zone:

Departure:

Accommodations:

Community Partner(s):

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Education & Reflection

Education should include the historical, political, social, and cultural context of the social problems you will be working with during service. Effective education provides faces and opinions from all perspectives on the issue, including ways that your personal life choices are connected to them. The organization you will be working with may be able to provide resources for education.

Here are a couple good articles on service in general to get you started.

The Starfish Story

There was a man who lived along the ocean. One morning, at about 5:00 am, when he could sleep no longer, he decided to take a walk along the beach. It was a foggy morning, and the first rays of the sun were slipping above the horizon. The man enjoyed the walk; it was as if the beach belonged to him. He glanced down on the beach and saw a figure that seemed to be dancing. He wondered why anyone would be on the beach so early; his curiosity caused him to quicken his pace.

As he drew nearer, he realized that the figure was that of a young man, and he wasn't dancing... he was throwing something into the water. As he drew very close, he realized that the young man was picking starfish off the beach and was tossing them back into the water. "Why are you throwing starfish into the water?" he asked. As the young man continued on with his task he replied, "The tide is going out, the sun is rising, and the starfish that are left on the beach will surely die."

"I understand," the man replied, "but there must be thousands of starfish on this beach. It seems such a waste of time and energy! You can't possibly get to all of them. There are simply too many and there are miles and miles of beach with starfish all along it. Can't you see that you can't possibly make a difference?"

The young man thought for a moment. He reached down to pick up another starfish, and as he gently threw it back into the sea he said, "It makes a difference... to this one."

Starfish Hurling and Community Service

by Keith Morton http://steans.depaul.edu/faculty/docs/starfishHurlingAndCommunityService.pdf

One of the most popular stories in community service events is that of the starfish: a (fill in your description, usually young) person is running, hurling starfish deposited on the beach by a storm back into the sea. “What are you doing,” asks a (fill in your description, usually old) person, “You can’t possibly throw all the starfish back. Your effort makes no difference.” “It makes a difference to this one,” replies the first person, who continues off down the beach. The usual conclusions drawn from this hackneyed tale are about the importance of making a difference where you can, one person or problem at a time; about not being put off by skepticism or criticism or cynicism.

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The story acknowledges the relief that comes when we find a way to relieve suffering. A somewhat deeper reading is that there is merit in jumping into a situation and finding a way to act - the first step in determining what possibilities for action might exist. But the tale is, ultimately, mis-educative and I wish people would stop using it. First, it is about a problem - starfish cast up by a storm - that is apolitical (unless you stretch for the connection between pollution and el Nino that might have precipitated the storm). There is seldom any hesitancy or moral complexity in responding to a crisis caused by natural disaster. It is the one circumstance in which charity can be an unmitigated good. The story suggests that all problems are similarly simple - that there is a path of action, which is right and can avoid the traps of politics, context, or complex and contradictory human relationships.

Second, the story is about helping starfish and not about helping people. It avoids, therefore, the shadow side of the service, the sticky problem of who deserves our help. The starfish are passive; they have no voice; they cannot have an opinion about their circumstances, at least not that we can hear. This one is much like that one. Their silence coincides with the fact that they can have done nothing (the story suggests) to deserve their fate. In most of the situations where this story is told, service is about people working with people: people with histories, voices, opinions, judgment, more or less power.

Third, the story avoids the possible complexity of ecology: it might be that the starfish are part of a food chain that is being interrupted as they are thrown back - birds might go hungry at a critical time of year, for example; or it might be that the starfish have been released by a storm from the ocean bottom because they have outgrown their habitat. It is never smart to intervene in an ecosystem without understanding how all of its parts are interrelated.

Fourth, the tale suggests that we should work from emotional response and not our heads, even though the problem is, in this case, a knowable one. As “overwhelming” as the miles of beach seem, the dilemma of the starfish is finite and knowable - this many starfish on this stretch of beach; a bit of advance organizing could result in enough volunteers to return all the starfish to the sea.

Fifth, the story privileges random, individual acts of kindness. It avoids questions of community (and we claim “community service” as our ground after all). It avoids questions of working with others. It polarizes the relationship of the two actors: how different would the story be if the second person joined in with the first? In short, the story does nothing to teach us about community or service. This in itself is not necessarily a problem; it could be an entertaining tale, and that could be enough. What makes it a problem, however, is that the tale of the starfish pretends to teach us something about community service, even as it misdirects our sympathies, our intellects and our sense of purpose.

Don’t go charging out to help. Talk, listen, build relationships, know yourself, your environment; work with others where they and the situation itself can teach you how to act with more and more knowledge and effectiveness. Stop hurling starfish.

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Consider Before Your Service

What do you imagine your community partner site is like?

What are some personal perceptions that you have about the agency you will be working with?

How have experiences from your life, thus far, influenced your values and beliefs in relation to the service you will be doing?

What questions do you have about the deep causes of the social issue you’ll be working with?

How educated are you on the social or environmental justice issue?

What is the identified problem/community need?

How is your community partner site addressing that need?

Why are you needed?

What fear, if any, do you have about working in the community?

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

What would you like to change about your community?

What communities/identity groups are you a member of? How might this be related with your commitment to service?

Consider After Your Service

What? —What happened? —What did you observe? —What issue is being addressed or population is being served? So What? —Did you learn a new skill or clarify an interest? —Did you hear, smell, or feel anything that surprised you? —How is your experience different from what you expected? —What impacts the way you view the situation/experience? (What lens are you viewing from?) —What did you like/dislike about the experience? —What did you learn about the people/community? —What are some of the pressing needs/issues in the community? —How does this project address those needs? Now What? —What seem to be the root causes of the issue addressed? —What other work is currently happening to address the issue? —What learning occurred for you in this experience? —What would you like to learn more about, related to this project or issue? —What follow-up is needed to address any challenges or difficulties? —What information can you share with your peers or the community? —If you could do the project again, what would you do differently?

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Social Change Model

Consciousness of Self o Were you aware of your underlying beliefs of how to “properly” build a model? o What are your underlying beliefs of the community you are going to?

Congruence o Did you act on what you were thinking or did you do something different while

building? o What actions do you have that might conflict with values of the community you

are going to enter?

Commitment o Did anyone give up through this activity? Why? o What is going to happen when things get tough in Atlanta?

Collaboration o How did your group collaborate? o How will your group collaborate?

Common Purpose o I provided the common purpose, but what if I had just provided the materials

with no direction? o Who is giving you direction or purpose on this trip?

Controversy with Civility o Who had disagreements in their group? How did those play out? o How might disagreements arise on this trip, how will those play out?

Citizenship o Why did you feel responsible to do this challenge? o What is going to prompt you to continue the “challenge” in the community after

the trip?

Change

o What is Social Change going to look like on this trip?

Root Causes Activity

Students will participate in the Root Causes Activity: Why is Sam ______? Be sure to entertain all options, but the following questions will help guide the post-conversation

Guiding questions:

What do you think when you see Sam? Is Sam a boy or a girl? Why did you think that? How does it feel to do this activity? Are there anything on here you disagree with? How does your own lived experience influence what you wrote here?

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Sample Reflection Questions

What were your initial expectations? Have these expectations changed? How? Why?

What about your community involvement has been an eye-opening experience?

How do you motivate yourself to go to your site when you don't feel like it?

What specific skills have you used at your community site?

Describe a person you've encountered in the community who made a strong impression on you, positive or negative.

Do you see benefits of doing community work? Why or why not?

Has your view of the population with whom you have been working changed? How?

How has the environment and social conditions affected the people at your site?

What institutional structures are in place at your site or in the community? How do they affect the people you work with?

Has the experience affected your worldview? How?

Why does the organization you are working for exist?

Did anything about your community involvement surprise you? If so, what?

What did you do that seemed to be effective or ineffective in the community?

How does your understanding of the community change as a result of your participation in this project?

How can you continue your involvement with this group or social issue?

How can you educate others or raise awareness about this group or social issue?

What are the most difficult or satisfying parts of your work? Why?

Talk about any disappointments or successes of your project. What did you learn from it?

During your community work experience, have you dealt with being an "outsider" at your site? How does being an "outsider" differ from being an "insider"?

How are your values expressed through your community work?

What sorts of things make you feel uncomfortable when you are working in the community? Why?

Complete this sentence: Because of my service, I am....

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Ideas for Reflection

There are a wide range of meaningful reflective practices and strategies that can be incorporated into service-learning, including the frequently used approaches listed below.

Journals: Writing in journals is widely used by service-learning programs to promote reflection. They're most meaningful when instructors pose key questions for analysis. (See bottom of page for sample reflection questions.)

Community Presentations: Students create a video or photo documentary on the community experience.

Presentations to Community Organizations: Students present work to community organization staff, board members, and participants.

Speakers: Invite community members or organization staff to present in class on their issue area.

Community Events: Identify community events that students can attend to learn more about issues.

Mapping: Create a visual map that shows how the service-learning experience connects to larger issues at the state/national/global level.

Videos: View a video or documentary to elicit discussion about critical issues that relate to their service experiences.

Letters-to-the Editor: Students write a letter-to-the-editor or to government officials that address issues important to the community organizations where they are working

Creative Projects: Students make a collage or write a poem or song to express an experience.

Blog: Create a course blog where students can post comments on their experiences.

Reflective Reading: Find articles, poems, stories or songs that relate to the service students are doing and that create discussion questions.

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Making the Most of a Smart Phone:

Twitter/Facebook/Instagram

Be sure to utilize your social networks. We will be retweeting things throughout the week if people use the #_______________. Also you can include #AlternativeBreaks for a national post – these are great ways to brag about our trips to other schools.

@MissouriState

@MoStateCCE

#CitizenBear

#_______________

#AlternativeBreaks

@BreakAway

YouTube

Feel free to upload videos to YouTube using the MSUServes account information. We will share these videos throughout the week. Raw footage is OK! People like to see rough videos instead of polished pieces many of times.

Login: MSUServes@gmail.com Password: bearblitz

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Blogs

Blogs are a mandatory part of these trips, as they are important for several reasons. First, they allow students to reflect on service and learning experiences. Reflection allows students to complete the circle of learning. Second, blogs allow our office to assess student learning and program outcomes. We compare blog posts and student comments to the Social Change Model of Leadership. Last, Immersion Trips are showcased on the Missouri State homepage, Facebook, Twitter, etc. These blogs will be one of the main focal points for community members, alumni, etc. to gain an understanding of what students are doing. Every person should blog at least once during the week. Be sure that people sign their blog at the end. Blogs should be updated 1-2 times a day. If you do not have internet access you should have them recorded on a computer and then upload to the blog as soon as you do have access.

These prompts are for the formal blogs. Feel free to add photos and commentary from smart phones throughout the day as you feel inclined.

Reflective Prompts:

These prompts can be used to guide someone through a general post. Students can post using 3 paragraphs “What, So What, Now What” identifying the what of the question, so what does that mean to the student, and now what will the student or should society do differently.

What is something that surprised you today?

What was your gut reaction to something you experienced today and what do you think about that gut reaction now looking back?

How do you see your social issue in your location in comparison to Springfield?

What do you wish people back at Missouri State would know regarding your issue?

Identify a frustration or anger that you experienced and how do you process that?

How do you plan to take this experience & knowledge gained and do something with it?

What is something that challenged you today?

Do you have a different view of something now than before you left for the trip?

What are you learning from others on the trip?

What do you see yourself doing differently when you get back to Springfield?

Why would you recommend an Immersion Trip to a friend?

What has been uncomfortable for you and how have you addressed that?

Do you feel guilty about anything? Why might that be?

Complete a narrative (story) of one of your service projects. Highlight your thoughts coming into the service project, what you experienced, the conversations you had, and the reflection after the project

Upload a photo/record a video and explain what that photo means to you and why are you wanting to share it

Create a poem that highlights your experience/relate your experience to a song

Make a list of unanswered questions you have now on the trip

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Travel Advances Op8.22-1 Travel Advances

This section summarizes the circumstances under which a travel advance would occur, as well as

the repayment process. P-Cards may now be used to prepay the following expenses with an

appropriate business purpose: airfare, lodging, group travel, tours, and tickets to events. Further

information on P-Card use is contained in the P-Card Policy (Op3.12-16 Procurement Card

Purchases).

1. Travel Advance Criteria

a. An employee traveling on University business may obtain a travel advance for expenses

only for: 1) University-sanctioned student group trips; and/or 2) Foreign Travel.

b. The Travel Advance and/or Foreign Travel Authorization Form must be completed in order

to request the advance.

c. Travel advances for expenses will be made to full-time University employees only.

d. Travel advances can be disbursed up to five working days prior to travel.

e. Travel advances need to be received in Financial Services ten working days prior to the

date of the requested advance.

f. Travel advances for the support of travel of students or other authorized individuals may be

made to the department head, dean, or other authorized employees who shall be responsible

for repayment of the advance.

g. The minimum amount allowed for travel advances is $250.

h. Travel advances on travel which has been completed are not available. Prompt filing of the

Travel Expense Report form will enable prompt payment, thereby making an advance

unnecessary.

i. Advances will be issued only to the employee whose name is listed on the Travel Advance

and/or Foreign Travel Authorization Form. An employee cannot designate another person

to receive their travel advance. Employees requesting a travel advance must present their

University ID card to the cashier in the Bursar’s Office to receive their travel advance.

j. The business purpose for travel should be explained in the appropriate space on the Travel

Advance and/or Foreign Travel Authorization Form.

k. Travel advance requests must be approved by the department head and/or cost center

administrator. If the advance is for foreign travel, please follow procedures in the Foreign

Travel section.

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2. Repayment of Travel Advance

a. Travel advances are posted to the recipient’s Accounts Receivable account and remain until

settled through filing an expense report and/or repaying any excess amount, if necessary.

b. Travel advances are only granted to employees who have accounts in good standing with

the University.

c. Repayment of a travel advance must be made within 30 days after the completion of the

trip. Failure to repay a cash advance within 30 days may result in the loss of this privilege.

d. Finance charges will begin to accrue on the balance in the recipient’s Accounts Receivable

account 30 days after the completion of the trip.

e. Any travel expense reimbursement for subsequent trips that are submitted to Financial

Services will be applied to outstanding travel advance balances to settle an employee's

account. Thus, payments from the University to the employee will not be issued to the

employee when there is an outstanding Travel Advance balance but will instead be applied

towards the outstanding travel advance balances.

f. Any excess amount not returned to the Bursar’s Office within 120 days from the first day

of the trip are subject to withholding and payroll taxes and will be included on W-2 forms

in order to comply with IRS regulation. (See IRS Reg. §1.62-2(g)(2)(i).)

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Travel Reimbursement Op8.22-6 Travel Reimbursement

This section summarizes the requirements and procedures regarding reimbursement of travel

expenses.

1. Requirements

a. All claims for reimbursement of travel expenses are made on a Travel Expense Report

Form.

b. All payments for reimbursement of travel expenses are made by University check, direct

deposit, or as a credit to the employee’s account with the University.

c. A Travel Expense Report must be submitted within two weeks upon return from each trip.

Delinquent Travel Expense Reports must be approved by the cost center administrator.

1. Employees traveling at frequent intervals may submit one Travel Expense Report for

the entire month or more frequently if desired.

2. A Travel Advance and/or Foreign Travel Authorization Form must be attached to the

Travel Expense Report form for each trip requiring a travel advance.

3. Foreign Travel must also be approved by the appropriate administrator* in writing prior

to the trip. A copy of the approval must be attached to the Travel Expense Report when

filed. *Please see the section entitled “Foreign Travel” for a list of appropriate

signature requirements.

d. All Travel Expense Reports must be certified by signature of the employee and approved

by the administrative official responsible for the budgeted funds from which the expenses

are to be reimbursed. An administrative official should not approve their own travel

expenses. Travel Expense Reports for such officials must be approved by their

administrative supervisor.

e. All Travel Expense Reports should explain the business purpose for travel. Abbreviations

for professional organizations should be avoided.

f. Travel Expense Reports pertaining to conference travel should include the following

information:

1. The portion of the agenda, registration, brochure, or other document for the conference

showing the dates and meals provided should be submitted with the travel expense

report.

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2. Any meal expenses submitted for times when a conference meal was provided at no

cost will not be reimbursed.

3. Trip extensions and business purpose of conferences should be fully justified.

g. All approved Travel Expense Reports are submitted to Financial Services to be reviewed

for compliance with University policy, reasonableness of expenses, and for accuracy.

1. Any Travel Expense Report not complying with University policy or otherwise

incomplete or inaccurate will be returned to the originating department.

2. Financial Services reserves the right to question any claim for reimbursement for its

validity and request proof for its accuracy and legitimacy.

h. If the trip was primarily for business and, while at the business destination the trip was

extended for a vacation, personal side trip, or other personal activities, part of the travel

expenses will not be eligible for reimbursement, specifically those expenses associated

with personal side trips and activities. Travel to and from the destination will be

reimbursed at the rate that applies as long as an extension for a vacation did not increase

the cost of travel. In that instance, the employee is responsible for the additional costs.

2. Procedures

Upon return from his/her trip, the employee initiates the Travel Expense Report Form.

a. Records lodging expenses.

b. Records charges included on lodging invoices in the appropriate column of the Travel

Expense Report.

c. Notes additional information justifying unusual expenditures.

d. Provides the business purpose of the expenditures in the appropriate space or on an

attachment.

e. Provides the FOAP number to be charged with the travel expenses.

f. Attaches required receipts. Receipts are required for all lodging, meal amounts over $10,

ground transportation over $10 (taxi, bus, limousine, parking, tolls), air fare, gasoline

purchases, auto rental, registration over $10, and all other expenditures.

g. Attaches Travel Advance and/or Foreign Travel Authorization Form if applicable.

h. Certifies Travel Expense Report by signature.

i. Submits to administrator for approval.

All reimbursements must comply with the Fiscal Responsibility Policy

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University Fleet Vehicle Policy Op9.04 University Fleet Vehicle Policy

All MSU owned or leased vehicles fall under the authority and direction of the Department of Safety and

Transportation Motor Pool. The Motor Pool provides vehicles and vehicle support to all departments of

the University. University Fleet vehicles will be assigned on a permanent basis to specific

departments. Motor Pool vehicles are available for assignment on a short term basis.

General Regulations

University policies and procedures governing the use of vehicles are in accordance with Missouri statutes and apply to the use of all University vehicles, whether assigned to a department, an individual or the Motor Pool.

The use of any University vehicle is restricted to the conduct of official University business. Use of the University vehicle during any trip or segment thereof for personal business or pleasure is prohibited. Violations may result in loss of Motor Pool privileges.

Drivers are to observe all traffic laws applying to the locality in which the vehicle is being driven.

All drivers and passengers must wear seat belts while in a University vehicle.

The University is not responsible for traffic violations by drivers of University vehicles. Fines or penalties for infractions of the law by a driver of a University vehicle are the personal responsibility of the driver and the University assumes no obligation.

All University vehicles shall display official license plates of the state of Missouri prior to use, and shall have a University seal displayed clearly on the front door of each side of the vehicle.

Consumption of alcohol or use of illegal drugs is prohibited. Operators must not drive while under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or any other substance that impairs their ability to drive. Transportation of alcohol in state vehicles is prohibited except when necessary in the conduct of state business.

Use of tobacco products is prohibited in state vehicles.

Administrative Responsibilities

All vehicles purchased by the University, or vehicles going to surplus, shall go to Motor Pool for license plates, gas card issue or removal, and to have the VIN and other pertinent information verified and entered in the tracking system. Motor Pool shall ensure that all University Fleet vehicles are properly titled and licensed with the Missouri Department of Revenue prior to assignment/delivery to the department purchasing the vehicle.

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Permanently assigned vehicles are dedicated to a single job function, or individual, based on travel needs for a semi-permanent time period. In some circumstances vehicles may be permanently assigned. To view these circumstances see SP-4 Section D.1 of the State Vehicle Policy.

The supervisor or administrative head of a department or other organizational unit having administrative custody of a University vehicle is responsible for ensuring vehicles are used only for official University business, and that operators meet all requirements when a vehicle is assigned (MSU employee, valid operator’s license).

State employees must utilize the most cost effective travel option when traveling on state business. In most circumstances, state vehicles or rental vehicles are more cost effective than personal mileage reimbursement, so it is highly recommended for employees to use state or rental vehicles on state business. Refer to the Guide for Drivers on State Business. The Trip Optimizer assists department heads in determining the most cost effective travel option for in-state single trips

A department head or other administrative supervisor is responsible to carefully review and approve the request for assignment of a University vehicle to ensure designated drivers may be protected under the provision of the University liability insurance.

Motor Pool vehicles are to be returned nightly to the Motor Pool lot unless away on authorized and scheduled over-night trips. Certain circumstances may warrant a University vehicle to be parked at a personal residence overnight, however, permission must be obtained from the Motor Pool prior to doing so.

A department head or other administrative supervisor is responsible to ensure that usage logs are maintained for each state vehicle assigned to their department and include the following information: name of department head, date(s), beginning and ending odometer readings for the month, and nature of use. Usage logs should be available for review by the Motor Pool Supervisor.

Maintenance

The administrative head or his/her designee of a department or other organizational unit having administrative custody of a University vehicle is responsible for ensuring that the vehicle is maintained in a safe condition, and that vehicle mileage and maintenance are logged for each assigned vehicle on a monthly basis. Monthly mileage and maintenance shall be logged in the web-based motor pool and vehicle tracking system. Electronic reminders will be sent monthly to department heads from Motor Pool prompting them to enter current odometer readings and all maintenance/inspection details for the vehicles they are assigned.

University fleet vehicles are not required to undergo a state safety inspection for the five-year-period following their model year of manufacture. At the sixth year, all vehicles must be inspected, and every-other-year thereafter.

At minimum, University vehicles should be maintained following the State of Missouri recommended maintenance schedule for each vehicle.

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A monthly preventive maintenance check must be performed on each University-owned vehicle. In addition, for safety precautions, special maintenance must be performed before and after a University-owned vehicle travels over 500 miles on a round trip. At a minimum, the following items should be checked: Oil Level Antifreeze Washer fluid Damage to vehicle First aid kit (if equipped) Horn Lights (including turn signal and brake lights) Wiper blades Brakes (for proper operation) Tires (for excessive wear)

All maintenance and repairs performed on state vehicles must be documented and such documents or receipts retained for the life of the vehicle.

All maintenance and repairs performed on state vehicles must be performed at locations under current contract with MSU. A list of current locations under contract for vehicle maintenance can be found at the following link.

Currently, the State of Missouri Office of Administration has left the decision to purchase surplus vehicles to each state agency. The University considers, based on needs and usage, whether to purchase new or surplus vehicles

The State of Missouri Office of Administration established minimum mileage replacement criteria for state vehicles at 135,000 miles.

Currently, the State of Missouri Office of Administration has not set criteria for purchasing SUV's. SUV's cost the state considerably more than a mid-sized sedan, and approval from the department head should be made prior to purchase of a SUV. This should be based upon needs and usage.

Permission to modify a vehicle in any manner (remove seats, trailer hitches, etc.) must be obtained from the Motor Pool prior to modifications.

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