scholarly journals Scholars for Life! Building Faculty and Community Connections on an Age-Friendly University Campus

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 387-387
Author(s):  
Carrie Andreoletti ◽  
Andrea June
Keyword(s):  
Community Engagement ◽  
Faculty Engagement ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Older Learners ◽  
Community Connections ◽  
High Satisfaction ◽  
Travel Abroad ◽  
The University

Abstract Central Connecticut State University’s Scholars for Life! supports the engagement of older learners in the community through faculty guest lectures. During the COVID-19 pandemic, participation in the virtual format frequently swelled to over 100 attendees, which is five times the number participating pre-pandemic. Moreover, faculty engagement increased. This presentation will share results of a study that used an Age-Friendly University (AFU) lens to explore this expanded connection to community members with the intention to build on its successful faculty-community engagement. 132 participants responded to the survey (M age = 69), mostly identifying as local retired alumni and community members. Participants reported high satisfaction with the lectures, connection to the university, interest in joining future travel abroad experiences, and utilizing campus resources when safe. Indeed, 84% are now aware of CCSU’s AFU status and 61% expressed interest in the 62+ course tuition waiver. Implications and future directions will be addressed.

scholarly journals Exploring the potential role of community engagement in evaluating clinical and translational science grant proposals

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 139-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey W. Treem ◽  
Margaret Schneider ◽  
Robynn L. Zender ◽  
Dara H. Sorkin
Keyword(s):  
Community Engagement ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Review Process ◽  
Translational Science ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Grant Proposals ◽  
Stage Process ◽  
Stage 1 ◽  
The University

IntroductionThis study explored the effects of integrating community members into the evaluation of clinical and translational science grants.MethodsThe University of California, Irvine Institute for Clinical and Translational Sciences (ICTS) engaged 21 community reviewers alongside scientific reviewers in a 2-stage process of evaluating research proposals. In Stage 1 reviewers scored proposals, and during Stage 2 two study sections convened: one a mix of community reviewers and scientific reviewers, and one only engaging scientific reviewers. In total, 4 studies were discussed by both study sections.ResultsComparisons of reviews revealed little difference between ratings of community reviewers and those of scientific reviewers, and that community reviewers largely refrained from critiquing scientific or technical aspects of proposals.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that involving community reviewers early in the grant cycle, and exposing them to the entirety of the review process, can bolster community engagement without compromising the rigor of grant evaluations.

scholarly journals Age-Friendly University Campus Inventory

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 6-7
Author(s):  
Maria Claver ◽  
Adriana Weathersby ◽  
Alexandra Wilkinson ◽  
Nicole Smith
Keyword(s):  
Adult Students ◽  
The United States ◽  
National Study ◽  
Intellectual Stimulation ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Survey Tool ◽  
Career Training ◽  
Inventory Survey ◽  
The University

Abstract An increasing number of older adults are turning to educational institutions to provide career training, intellectual stimulation and social interaction. Response to the educational needs and interests of this emerging population calls for new opportunities and innovative practices of teaching, research, and community engagement that colleges and universities are poised to offer. In Summer 2018, CSULB became the third university in California to be designated an Age-Friendly University. This study aimed to identify strengths and opportunities for growth at CSULB as related to each of the 10 Age-Friendly University principles. This study is part of a larger, national study conducted by researchers from UMass, Boston. Interviewees were asked to indicate on the Campus Inventory survey tool the activities and programs offered by the university. Data were collected from CSULB administrators through email after a phone introduction and entered into an Excel document for analysis using qualitative methods. Results provided a clear overview of the types of activities and programs available to older adult students and guided the identification of gaps in services, from the perspective of administrators on campus. The results of this CSULB survey will be compared with results from several AFU campuses across the United States. Additionally, results will be compared with a future Campus Climate survey, which will assess the age-friendliness of CSULB from the perspectives of faculty, students and community members.

scholarly journals A Mutually Beneficial Relationship: University of the Third Age and a regional university campus

2011 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 154-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bronwyn Ellis ◽  
Michael Leahy
Keyword(s):  
Community Engagement ◽  
Background Information ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Third Age ◽  
Community Activities ◽  
Active Involvement ◽  
The Third ◽  
Regional University ◽  
Productive Ageing ◽  
The University

A mutually beneficial relationship has developed over the past 15 years between a regional South Australian branch of the University of the Third Age (U3A) and the local university campus. Arising from the initiative of a community member, the group sought assistance from the university, and has now become integrated into campus life. The university has provided a venue for meetings and access to other facilities, and university staff have contributed to the program of classes. The U3A has undoubtedly benefited from these inputs. However, the university has also benefited from these opportunities to engage with the wider community, the presence of willing volunteers to contribute in various ways to university classes and other activities, and favourable word-of-mouth marketing. Beginning with background information on U3A, the local branch and its setting, we reflect on the sustainability of this relationship with the university and the factors that have contributed to this. We draw on our U3A experience and on two qualitative research projects in which U3A members have taken part: projects which have investigated their motivation for participation in U3A classes and activities, and the contributions of U3A to the university and vice versa. Not only has the relationship itself been sustained thus far, it has also contributed to sustaining U3A members in their active involvement in learning and community activities, and has been a significant part of community engagement activities of the campus. Keywords University of the Third Age; university-community engagement; mutual benefit; lifelong learning; retirement; productive ageing

Partnerships and Power: Community Partners’ Experiences of Service-Learning

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally Matthews
Keyword(s):  
Service Learning ◽  
Community Engagement ◽  
South African ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Community Partners ◽  
Learning Partnerships ◽  
Advance Student ◽  
Growing Body ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The University

Service-learning is a form of community engagement deemed beneficial to both students and community members. However, while there is a large and growing body of research investigating whether service-learning does indeed advance student learning, there has been paucity of research on whether service-learning benefits community partners, and in what way. This study is based on interviews with community partners at a South African university, to explore how community partners experience service-learning. The findings suggest that community partners value service-learning partnerships and believe that the presence of students does, for the most part, meet a need in the community. However, the findings also show that service-learning partners long for greater commitment and attention from the university partner, and that few partners feel empowered to initiate and drive service-learning partnerships, which are instead typically set up by the university. These findings also suggest that service-learning partnerships are of value to partners, but that more needs to be done to address the power relations inherent in partnerships between universities and community partners.

Engaging Student Mothers Creatively: Animated Stories of Navigating University, Inner City, and Home Worlds

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-114
Author(s):  
Lise Kouri ◽  
Tania Guertin ◽  
Angel Shingoose
Keyword(s):  
Inner City ◽  
Community Engagement ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Graphic Narrative ◽  
Student Mothers ◽  
Education Outcomes ◽  
The Social ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The University ◽  
Animated Graphic

The article discusses a collaborative project undertaken in Saskatoon by Community Engagement and Outreach office at the University of Saskatchewan in partnership with undergraduate student mothers with lived experience of poverty. The results of the project were presented as an animated graphic narrative that seeks to make space for an under-represented student subpopulation, tracing strategies of survival among university, inner city and home worlds. The innovative animation format is intended to share with all citizens how community supports can be used to claim fairer health and education outcomes within system forces at play in society. This article discusses the project process, including the background stories of the students. The entire project, based at the University of Saskatchewan, Community Engagement and Outreach office at Station 20 West, in Saskatoon’s inner city, explores complex intersections of racialization, poverty and gender for the purpose of cultivating empathy and deeper understanding within the university to better support inner city students. amplifying community voices and emphasizing the social determinants of health in Saskatoon through animated stories.

CONSTRUCTING A DEMONSTRATION VEGETABLE GARDEN

HortScience ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 671f-671
Author(s):  
M. Marutani ◽  
R. Quitugua ◽  
C. Simpson ◽  
R. Crisostomo
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Irrigation System ◽  
Agricultural Science ◽  
Drip Irrigation System ◽  
Vegetable Crops ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Crop Cover ◽  
Different Types ◽  
The University

A demonstration vegetable garden was constructed for students in elementary, middle and high schools to expose them to agricultural science. On Charter Day, a University-wide celebration, students were invited to the garden on the University campus. The purpose of this project was twofold: (1) for participants to learn how to make a garden and (2) for visitors to see a variety of available crops and cultural techniques. Approximately 30 vegetable crops were grown. The garden also presented some cultural practices to improve plant development, which included weed control by solarization, mulching, a drip irrigation system, staking, shading and crop cover. Different types of compost bins were shown and various nitrogen-fixing legumes were displayed as useful hedge plants for the garden.

Detergent Role in Aphids Control in the Roses Plants in the University Campus Peshawar

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naushad Khan ◽  
Shah Fahad ◽  
Mahnoor Naushad ◽  
Shah Faisal
Keyword(s):  
University Campus ◽  
The University

scholarly journals Making the Case and Laying the Groundwork for Integrating Age-Friendly Practices Into a University Strategic Plan

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 552-552
Author(s):  
Melissa Cannon
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Strategic Plan ◽  
College Campus ◽  
Institutions Of Higher Education ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Faculty Senate ◽  
Accessibility Issues ◽  
Intensive Group ◽  
The University

Abstract A crucial first step in preparing to become an Age-Friendly University (AFU) is seeking endorsement from the campus community and leadership. This presentation describes the mapping of the AFU principles to the strategic plan and initiatives of Western Oregon University, leading to endorsement by its faculty senate, and highlights a study of the older community members’ use of the university, laying the groundwork for advancing age-friendliness on campus. Data were collected through surveys (N=46), interviews (N=9), and photovoice method (N=7) with older adults, and data were analyzed using SPSS, team coding, and intensive group discussion to develop categories and themes. Themes emerged related to how the college campus is used by older adults, the need to promote lifelong learning to the community, and the need to address accessibility issues in order to be more age-friendly, providing helpful insight to other institutions of higher education seeking to join the AFU network.

scholarly journals Ageism on Campus: Opportunities to Include Age in Diversity and Inclusion Efforts

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 7-7
Author(s):  
Cassandra Barragan ◽  
Stephanie Wladkowski
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Students ◽  
Leadership Positions ◽  
Older Learners ◽  
University Campuses ◽  
Diversity And Inclusion ◽  
Midwestern University ◽  
Barriers And Opportunities ◽  
The Many ◽  
The University

Abstract Diversity and inclusion are essential perspectives on university campuses. In recent years, there has been a nationwide decline in admissions resulting in changes to traditionally FTIAC driven college campuses. An environmental scan was completed at a mid-sized midwestern university to explore age-inclusive barriers and opportunities for change. In-depth interviews were held with 28 EMU stakeholders representing a wide variety of ages in leadership positions across campus. Students aged 40 and above (N=248) were also surveyed about their experiences on campus. Qualitative analysis revealed ageist attitudes about older adults and older students from at all levels of the university. Results demonstrate that initial responses to ‘age-friendly’ focused on stereotypes of older adults, but attitudes adjusted when reframed as older learners and further refined when older learners were defined as 40 and above. Additionally, there was a distinct disconnect between ageist perceptions towards older adults and older students which highlights the importance of intergenerational opportunities as an approach to combat ageist attitudes on campus. While these barriers require long-term and complicated solutions, participants described the many benefits that older learners bring to enrich the campus. Results of this research revealed opportunities to reframe aging in the context of diversity and inclusion efforts on campus. Adopting diversity efforts to include age can benefit universities in not only admissions, classroom experiences, and connections to surrounding communities.

scholarly journals Why Age Matters to Higher Education: Age-Friendly Tools and Techniques for Culture Change

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 551-551
Author(s):  
David Burdick ◽  
Karen Rose ◽  
Dana Bradley
Keyword(s):  
University Presidents ◽  
Steering Committee ◽  
State University ◽  
Community Members ◽  
University Leadership ◽  
Drexel University ◽  
College Of Nursing ◽  
Tools And Techniques ◽  
The University ◽  
Oregon State University

Abstract Momentum is growing for the Age-Friendly University Network as proponents, primarily gerontology educators, have successfully encouraged university presidents to sign nonbinding pledged to become more age-friendly in programs and policies, endorsing 10 Age-Friendly University Principles. While this trend is inspiring, more is needed to fully achieve benefits for universities, students, communities, and older adults. Four presentations discuss innovative ways of deepening university commitment, weaving the principles into the fabric of the university. The first paper describes thematic content analysis from five focus groups with admissions and career services staff at Washington University in St. Louis and the recommendations that emerged for the provision of programs and services for post-traditional students. The second paper describes efforts to utilize community-impact internships and community partnerships to build support for Age-Friendly University initiatives at Central Connecticut State University, particularly in the context of the university’s recent Carnegie Foundation Engaged Campus designation. The third paper describes how Drexel University became Philadelphia’s first Age-Friendly University and current efforts in the Drexel College of Nursing and Heatlh Care Profession’s AgeWell Collaboratory to convene university-wide leadership for an AFU Steering Committee working on four mission-driven efforts to ensure AFU sustainability. The fourth paper describes steps taken by AFU proponents at Western Oregon State University to gain endorsement from university leadership and community, including mapping the 10 AFU Principles to the university’s strategic plan, faculty senate endorsement, and survey/interview results of older community members’ use of the university, which collectively have enhanced deeper and broader campus buy-in of AFU.

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