Office of Entrepreneurial Learning Fall 2015

The Centennial Commitment (18 by ‘18)

Ball State University aspires to be the model of the most student-centered and community-engaged of the 21st century public research universities, transforming entrepreneurial learners into impactful leaders– committed to improving the quality of life for all.

Entrepreneurial LearningDefinition

Entrepreneurial learning is a pedagogical approach in which faculty mentors create high-impact, student-driven experiences that encourage exploration, problem solving, creativity, and risk-taking.

Entrepreneurial learning occurs when faculty provide a dynamic space where knowing intersects with making and creative experimentation, and students are encouraged to learn through productive application of knowledge. Entrepreneurial learning activities are tied specifically to a faculty mentor’s desired learning outcomes for individual students and/or collaborative groups.

Entrepreneurial Learning Activities

• Immersive Learning• Undergraduate Research • Internships/Externships• Practicums, clinicals, student

teaching• Capstone classes• First year seminars• Learning communities• Study Abroad• Service Learning• Student Employment• On- and Off-campus

Volunteering

What is Immersive Learning?

These project-based opportunities pull together interdisciplinary student teams that solve problems with community partners. The result is a final product that enhances the community with a lasting impact.

Students have created marketing plans, websites, documentaries, community programs, publications, and much more.

Ways to Get Involved• Virginia Ball Center for Creative Inquiry

• Interdisciplinary Special Projects• Special courses set up to accommodate multiple

disciplines• Funding may come from community partners, external

grants, Provost immersive learning grants

• In-class Projects• Fits within existing curriculum• Community partner needs overlap with student learning

objectives• If funding is required, it may be available through

micro-grants

Ball State as Student-Centered

Will provide every undergraduate student with an immersive learning opportunity by maintaining a minimum of 4,200 students annually in immersive learning projects.

How OEL Can Help• Project planning• Assistance identifying community partners and

internal collaborators• Proposal development• Identifying sources of funding• Student recruitment/course enrollment options• Information re: travel and purchasing procedures• Assessment tools• Assistance with research/presentation

opportunities

     

How OEL Can HelpIn some cases, Immersive Learning staff can offer intensive project management services such as:

• Contract development – external partners• Grant and budget management• Support for travel and purchasing• Technical support and equipment• Publicity/showcase opportunities

     

Student Professional Development

• Professionalism • Communication Skills• Project Management• Defining Roles• Conflict Resolution

• Teambuilding Activities• Market Your Experience• Showcase Opportunities     

Immersive Learning Project Examples

Nature Play

Cold Case Neighborhood Plans

Freedom Bus

Internal FundingProvost Grants

• Offered twice during AY – next deadline early next semester

• Funds higher ticket projects that typically involve one or more departments across colleges

• Typical range between $2,500 - $30,000• Project must:

• Be primarily driven by undergrads• Have highly involved community partner• Clear student learning outcomes

Immersive Learning Advisory Committee

• Jane Ellery (CAST)• Martha Hunt (CAP)• Bill Jenkins (CFA)• Fred Kitchens (MCOB)• Melinda Messineo (CSH)• Thalia Mulvihill (TC)• Suzy Smith (CCIM)• Jackie Buckrop (Office of the Provost)• Gary Pavlechko (Office of Educational Excellence)

Internal FundingCollege Micro-Grants

     • Typically for projects involving one or more departments within a college

• Funds smaller projects that can use additional supplies or travel to enhance student learning outcomes

• Cost is typically below $2,000• Each college determines award

parameters based on college needs and objectives

President’s Fellows• College of Sciences and Humanities (CSH)

Ron Morris and another faculty member TBA• College of Communications, Information and Media (CCIM)

Kristen McCauliff• College of Fine Arts (CFA)

Maura Jasper• College of Architecture and Planning (CAP)

Pam Harwood• College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST)

Hans Kellogg• Miller College of Business (MCOB)

Russ Wahlers• Teachers College (TC)

Ruth Jones

Contact Information

• Jennifer Blackmer, Associate Provost for Entrepreneurial Learning – jsblackmer@bsu.edu

• Kelli Huth, Director of Immersive Learning – kjhuth@bsu.edu

• Suzanne Plesha, Director of Faculty Support and Assessment – splesha@bsu.edu

Questions?