Superior Edge Task Force Final Report

The Superior Edge Task Force was charged with the responsibility to research, discuss and make recommendations for a value-added initiative.

Members: Kathleen Thompson (Chair, Nursing), Michael Andary (Construction Management), Sara Barclay (Student), Dave Bonsall (Student Activities and Leadership Programs), Sarah Breen (Student), Brian Cherry (Political Science), Kevin Duby (Student), Paul Duby (Institutional Research), Bob Fleming (Business), Chuck Ganzert (CAPS), Rachel Harris (Student Activities and Leadership Programs), Cara Kamps (Student Activities and Leadership Programs), Bob Kulisheck (Political Science), Carolyn Lowe (Education), Robert Masterson (Student), Kevin McDonough (AIS), Michael Muslin (Student), Wally Niebauer (CAPS), Mary Pelton-Cooper (Psychology), Sandi Poindexter (Business), Francella Quinnell (Psychology), Ron Sundell, (Environmental Science), James Suksi (Psychology), John Vickers (Military Science), and Bitsy Wedin (Nursing)

The Task Force began meeting in November and the members have been diligent in completing the charges. The Task Force researched what other universities are currently doing and obtained feedback from faculty, staff, administration and the business community. The proposed program was presented at a University-wide forum and to numerous committees (President's Council, Academic Cabinet, Academic Senate, Deans and Department Heads, Student Services, International Task Force, and First-Year Experience). Based on all of the information received, the Task Force makes the following recommendations:

1. Implement the Superior Edge program to include four elements:

   • Citizenship Edge
   • Diversity Edge
   • Leadership Edge
   • "Real World" Edge

   To complete the Superior Edge, students would need to complete all four elements. Specific requirements for each of the "Edges" are described later in the report.

2. Establish a Center for Student Development and Civic Engagement. The purpose of the Center would be to organize all the student development activities under one area for better coordination. Areas to be included would be:

   • Academic Service-Learning
   • Superior Edge
   • Student Leadership
   • Volunteer Center
   • Community Outreach
   • Student Activities


3. Provide funding of approximately $200,000 for the full implementation of the program. Included in the proposed budget are three FTE staff, one graduate assistant, faculty released time, and support dollars. Not included are the costs associated with acquisition of an e-portfolio system or for office space.

   The recommended positions are:

   • Assistant Director (AP-6, 10 month) to coordinate Academic Service-Learning
   • Volunteer Center and Community Service Assistant Director (AP-6, 12 month) to coordinate the Superior Edge Program
   • Faculty liaison for Academic Service-Learning
   • Clerical/technical (4C) to assist both Superior Edge and Academic Service- Learning
   • Graduate assistant to assist with the Superior Edge Program

   The budget justification is presented at the end of the report.

4. Begin implementation Fall 2005 with selected students, faculty, and Student Activities and Leadership Programs personnel participating. The purpose of the initial phase would be to evaluate the best approach for implementing the program and to determine the time commitment involved. The advisors would help develop the evaluation mechanism for the program. This would include operationalizing the outcomes and criteria provided in the proposal.

5. Appoint a Superior Edge Advisory Committee in Fall 2005 consisting of faculty, staff, and students. The Committee's responsibilities would be to:

   • review and recommend types of experiences which would be allowed under each of the "Edge" programs;
   • monitor the quality of the Program, student experiences and reflections based on program outcomes;
   • assist in the development of promotional materials for the Superior Edge with Communications and Marketing;
   • help market the program in cooperation with existing student services including Admissions, the First Year Experience Program, Campus Visits, and Orientation.


6. Implement an e-portfolio system as the record-keeping system for the Superior Edge Program. The e-portfolio system could also be used by faculty and students for other educational activities.

One of the charges was to develop a timeline. The implementation of the program is dependent upon the level of commitment of resources. With the recommended budget, it is feasible to begin the Superior Edge program in Fall 2005.