Dear partners and organizations,
The University of Guelph is seeking to understand the scope and quality of existing and past partnerships with not-for-profit organizations and public institutions, and their affiliated experiential learning opportunities for students (practicum placements, internships, community engaged research, course-based service learning, and volunteering). Through this needs assessment survey we hope to get a comprehensive understanding of the current climate and future threshold for experiential learning in the community, as well as the challenges and successes that organizations experience in partnering with stakeholders at the University of Guelph, so that we can best inform and improve our practice moving forward.
For the purposes of this needs assessment, 'experiential learning partnership' is defined as an agreement between the University of Guelph and an external community-based organization, or any other initiative led by a community-based partner, which involves students in meeting authentic demands in a workplace or simulated workplace. Experiential learning may include activities for credit such as co-ops, internships, practicums, research, or projects integrated within a course, or non-credit activities such as volunteer work. In each instance, experiential learning opportunities undertaken by students contribute to their learning and support the work of a community partner.
We invite you to complete this survey whether or not your organization or initiative has formally partnered with the University of Guelph before with regards to experiential learning opportunities. We value input from multiple perspectives and positions within our community.
We are interested in the perspectives of:
Past and current community partners/supervisors in experiential learning with University of Guelph students.
Those who have NOT previously partnered with the University of Guelph through experiential learning but would like to offer input into these types of partnerships and are: a) currently employed, b) board members, or c) are in a different official capacity in a community organization or other entity.
Those who have supervised students in experiential learning previously or who would have the capacity/be able to do so in their current role(s).
We are seeking survey participation from individuals who are 18 years of age and older.
Participants who complete the survey have the option to enter a draw for one of ten $25 gift certificates to local businesses.
Following the survey, we will publish a summary of our findings for interested stakeholders. On June 6, 2018, we will host a facilitated discussion with representatives from a variety of organizations to address recurring themes and issues that emerge from the survey results, and to identify potential strategies and solutions to enhance the partnering experience for all.
The survey will be open until April 15th; we estimate it will take you 10-15 minutes to complete.
survey link: https://uoguelph.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cSkqj3PH7Lg5ViJ
We encourage you to share this survey with others in your network who may also have an interest in and/or experience with experiential learning partnerships with the University of Guelph.
Thank you so much for your time and contribution to improving our campus-community partnerships.
The researchers welcome questions about this needs assessment at anytime and can be reached using the contact information below:
Janet Doner, Manager, Community Engagement and Global Citizenship (Student Life) jdoner@uoguelph.ca, 519-824-4120 x52782
Lindsey Thomson, Manager, Community Engaged Learning (Community Engaged Scholarship Institute) lthoms03@uoguelph.ca, 519-824-4120 x54535
This project has been reviewed by the University of Guelph Research Ethics Board for compliance with federal guidelines for research involving human participants (REB# 18-03-010).