Superior Edge Task Force Final Report

The Four Edges

Citizenship Edge

Outcome: Students will become engaged, involved citizens. They will:

• Develop an empathy and concern for others
• Gain practical experience in community settings
• Increase their awareness of community challenges, opportunities and processes

To satisfactorily achieve the outcome, students will complete:

• 100 hours of an approved plan that includes a combination of service-learning, community service and civic engagement
• An e-portfolio record
• A reflective paper

Examples of what would count towards completion of the Citizenship Edge

• Service-learning: course-related experiences
• Community Service : volunteer opportunities
• Civic Engagement: attending political or governmental meetings, working on community or political campaigns or projects

Diversity Edge

Outcome: Students will develop a world view and better understand and appreciate diversity. They will:

• Develop an appreciation for domestic diversity
• Develop an appreciation for international diversity
• Increase knowledge of different cultures in the United States and around the world
• Better understand global issues

To satisfactorily achieve the outcome, students will complete:

• 100 hours of an approved plan that may include a combination of international and domestic diversity
• An e-portfolio record
• A reflective paper

Examples of what would count towards completion of the Diversity Edge

• International Diversity: study abroad; get a passport; complete courses; attend presentations, workshops, programs, or events; present personal experiences
• Domestic Diversity: complete courses, attend presentations, workshops, programs; participate in events such as MLK Week, Pow Wow, Holocaust Awareness Week, National Coming Out Day; experiences at a soup kitchen, working at Bay Cliff, tutoring at Lake Superior Village , working with the elderly; student exchange programs; membership in a diversity student organization

Leadership Edge

Outcome: Students will grow as competent, ethical and effective leaders. They will:

• Appreciate the ethical underpinnings of effective leadership
• Understand group dynamics and processes
• Develop an awareness of personal leadership strengths and weaknesses
• Attain the knowledge of different leadership styles and approaches

To satisfactorily achieve the outcome, students will complete:

• 100 hours of an approved plan that includes a combination of theory, ethics and experience
• An e-portfolio record
• A reflective paper

Examples of what would count towards completion of the Leadership Edge

• Theory: courses, workshops or conferences with leadership theory
• Ethics: complete courses, participate in presentations or workshops on ethics
• Experience: leadership role in a student or community organization, resident adviser (RA), Student Leader Fellowship Program (SLFP), ROTC, employment with leadership responsibilities

"Real World" Edge

Outcome: Students will develop the ability to relate theory to practice. They will:

• Develop an appreciation for the many factors (resources, personalities, competing priorities, etc.) involved in "real world" situations
• Develop the confidence needed to succeed in future career and community opportunities
• Better integrate theory with practice

To satisfactorily achieve the outcome, students will complete:

• 100 hours of an approved plan that may include a combination of service-learning, research experiences, work experience, internships, professional activities
• An e-portfolio record
• A reflective paper

Examples of what would count towards completion of the "Real World" Edge

• Service-learning courses
• Research Experiences : Freshman Fellows, apprenticeships, working with a faculty member
• Related Work Experience: such as an early childhood student working at a daycare or a graphic design student working at a design office
• Internships/Practica/Apprenticeships/Field Work
• Professional Activities: such as attending or presenting at a professional conference