Two Grants Will Help Chatham Bring Civic Engagement and Purpose Into Curriculum and Campus Life
Two new grants will help Chatham University more meaningfully incorporate two elements of its mission and values—civic engagement and purpose-driven living—into campus life.
The Project Pericles Catalyst Grant will support the development of a "Civic Engagement Pedagogy Fellows Program,” which aims to make civic engagement a more intentional and consistent part of the student experience across the University by enmeshing it in curriculum, faculty development, and academic decision-making processes.
Another grant, the Professional Development Award from the Council of Independent Colleges’ Network on Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE), aims to broaden conversation about cultivating a campus commitment to purpose-driven life as expressed in Chatham’s mission statement.
Throughout the Civic Engagement Pedagogy Fellows Program, a cohort of Chatham faculty will spend an academic year working collaboratively to redesign courses. They’ll learn about evidence-based approaches to civically engaged pedagogy—including service learning, structured dialogue, simulations, action-oriented learning, and reflective practices—and develop assignments and activities that help students build civic skills while meeting the learning goals of their discipline.
Six faculty members will be chosen for this year’s cohort representing each of Chatham's colleges: The College of Health Science, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Falk College of Environment, Leadership, and Management.
“One of the things that makes the program unique is that it recognizes civic engagement doesn't look the same in every field,” says Jennie Sweet-Cushman, professor political of science and author of the grant proposal . “A biology course, a business course, a political science course, and an interior architecture course might all approach civic engagement differently, but each can help students connect disciplinary knowledge to real-world issues, communities, and public problem-solving.”
Funds from the other grant, the NetVUE Professional Development Award, will be used to identify a cohort of ten “Champions,” made up of staff, faculty, and coaches, who will undergo focused development over the coming year. That development will include engaging in workshops and events, a retreat, curated readings, and more.
These Changemakers will help guide the University in reimagining how education and co-curricular programs can more intentionally support students in connecting their academic pursuits with a sense of purpose and impact.
“I am excited that Chatham is engaging in these conversations,” says Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Matthew Reddinger. “Helping our students cultivate attention towards living a purpose-driven life is spot-on for our mission and values. And I am excited as this initiative plays out over the next year and beyond to see how our staff, faculty, coaches, and students develop a communal commitment to recognizing their unique talents, making intentional decisions, and serving a common good.”
Learn more about Chatham University’s mission and values at chatham.edu