University 1 promotes civic character

Instructor Candace Egan (center, left of pole) participates with her students in a teambuilding exercise.

by Patricia Hart

Known for its dedication to enhancing the first-year student experience, University 1 helps students transition into the university community.

The course has many unique features, with as many theoretical underpinnings, from student development to academic excellence, from discouraging academic cheating to promoting volunteer service. The development of civic character is embedded in a number of course components. University 1 has been recognized as an exemplary program in this area.

Last year, a national campaign sponsored by the Templeton Foundation identified college programs and courses that set a standard of excellence in civic education. After several competitive rounds, University 1 was selected for inclusion in their landmark resource guide and for a special program profile.

The book itself, The Templeton Guide: Colleges that Encourage Character Development, is a ground-breaking exploration of the work that colleges and universities are doing to encourage students to lead ethical and civic-minded lives. It will be widely read by thousands of students and parents involved in the college selection process.

In addition to civic character development, University 1 prepares students for future coursework in General Education and in the major. The course assists students as they learn to address the challenges of personal responsibility and ethical study practices, and helps prepare them for more focused work

in the higher educational environment. University 1 is also a natural complement to certain G.E. courses. As the name suggests, Learning Communities emerge around clusters of linked courses; this fall University 1 will be an integral part of a number of these new communities.

University 1 helps colleges meet their responsibility to teach students how to navigate between increased personal freedom and civic responsibilities.

The trend toward college programs and courses that address the first-year experience

is growing, and University 1 is proud to be among the pioneers in this field. As demand for these courses and programs increases,

there is a resulting need for continued infusion of new faculty for these important teaching assignments.

Faculty and staff interested in joining the University 1 team as instructors, advisers or guest speakers are invited to contact Dr. Patricia Hart at (559) 278-4775.