Experiential Learning-Oriented Campus-Community Partnerships - A Study of Best Practices by William Ryan

Conceptual Map

wmr42 — 2014-05-27 01:32:53 UTC

Best practice models require understanding of key stakeholder needs, and a collaborative effort to develop the vision, goals and objectives.

Click on this attachment to view the model I have developed that depicts the dynamics of building a successful campus-community partnership.

Introduction

wmr42 — 2014-05-27 01:35:46 UTC

This study is aimed at understanding the challenges inherent in campus-community partnerships and to determine the key factors that deliver a successful partnership. These results will be used to create an improved best practice recommendation that can be used by practioners and for the scholarly record.

Purpose of the Literature Review

wmr42 — 2014-05-27 01:37:21 UTC

To understand the challenges in campus-community partnerships, determine the key factors that deliver a successful partnership, and develop a conceptual model of best practices to develop and sustain effective campus-community partnerships..

Historical Background

wmr42 — 2014-05-27 01:44:03 UTC

Campus-Community Partnerships have been popular for years. But, research shows that many fall short of expectation due to a myriad of factors, including lack of proper understanding of partnership dynamics, lack of alignment, process, communication and collaboration strategies.

Greetings! Welcome to my E-Poster!

wmr42 — 2014-05-27 01:50:50 UTC

wmr42 — 2014-05-27 02:10:07 UTC

wmr42 — 2014-05-27 02:12:19 UTC

Research Questions

wmr42 — 2014-05-27 02:18:05 UTC

1) What are the perceptions among key stakeholders (university, administration, academics, and
the "community") as to the value of Campus-Community Partnerships?

2) What are the challenges inherent in the systems that make Campus-Community Partnerships difficult to successfully
execute and sustain?

3) What existing Campus-Community Partnership models have been successfully implemented?

4) What are the best practices to create and sustain effective Campus-Community Partnerships?

Author Contribution

wmr42 — 2014-05-27 02:23:24 UTC

The research conducted as part of my dissertation will test the scholarly record of best practices at a new college campus that is heavily engaged in campus-comunity partnerships.

Findings from this resaerch will add to the scholarly record of best practices specific to business and humanities directed campus-community partnerships.

Significance of the Issue

wmr42 — 2014-05-27 02:26:37 UTC

Graduate employability is becoming a critical success factor for higher education. As the cost of education increases and transparency with stakeholders sharpens, the ability to successfully prepare students for the workforce has become paramount.

Experiential learning via campus-community partnerships is an important lever as it provides students with real-world experience. Developing and executing these partnerships successfully is critical.

Synthesis: Gaps in the Research

wmr42 — 2014-05-27 02:34:23 UTC

There is limited research in developing and managing partnerships specifically designed to promote student development through experiential learning opportunities in the business education field.

Theories & Concepts

wmr42 — 2014-05-27 02:40:04 UTC

There is a scholarly record that highlights various Campus-Community Partnership Best Practices including:

- Engaged Leadership - Collaborative and Equal Relationship

- Shared Design and Responsibilities - Faculty Incentives

- Student Matching - Formalized Expectations

Previous Research and its Limitations

wmr42 — 2014-05-27 02:47:31 UTC

Much of the scholarly record focuses on partnerships that are built around helping underserved communities and the challenges in conducting research with these groups.

Next Steps

wmr42 — 2014-05-27 02:52:24 UTC

The research phase of my dissertation work will focus on establishing a research capability, methodology and operating structure with the UCONN Hartford Campus Development Team.

This new campus is currently under development and scheduled to open in Sept. 2017. My research timing is aligned with the development phase of the partnerships.

Longer-term, the research path will analyze the management and success of these partnerships, evaluating the best practices employed and adding to the scholarly recod in this area.

Relevant Terminology

wmr42 — 2014-05-27 02:59:59 UTC

Campus-Community Partnerships - official engagements between colleges and universities and local community organizations, with the goal of accomplishing a set of objectives that benefit both parties.

Community - is defined as both leaders and organizers of groups, as well as the members of these communities. Community - has a broad definition ranging from people living in a geographic area to governement organizations, hospitals, small and large businesses, civic groups, etc.

Audio Link

wmr42 — 2014-05-27 03:18:48 UTC

Please click on this link to listen to a short overview of my emerging research on the topic of Campus-Community Partnerships. If you would like to provide me feedback, please email me at wmr42@drexel.edu.

http://vocaroo.com/i/s0RQfl85lGUb