Western Michigan University
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Presidential Statement on Civic Engagement - Elson Floyd, former President of Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University is committed to the education of the total person, forming socially conscious and actively engaged citizens of Michigan and of the world. Partnering with the community allows the use of knowledge and skills to better the living environment of the surrounding area. Coursework linked with fieldwork allows students to step from the classroom into the real world and learn by doing. Social activism is widespread across campus. Educational service-learning, practiced both in the classroom and community, and volunteerism performed by individuals and groups engage students, faculty, and staff in a variety of outreach programs.
Examples of ongoing civic-minded activities include:
-Individual classes and learning communities with a service-learning component, offered by the Lee Honors College, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the College of Education, that take more than 200 students into the Kalamazoo community annually.
-A Web site created by the Office of Student Volunteers Services to link students with non-profit community groups. Eight hundred students visited the site over the last twelve-month period.
-Alternative Breaks (Winter Experience and Spring Break) engaging ninety students in week-long service learning opportunities nationwide.
-Into the Streets (Fall and Spring) Programs involving 1,600 volunteers at fifty sites in the immediate community.
-The M.L.K. Discovery Day Children's Fair that highlights service, cultural understanding and fun. At M.L.K. Day 2002, 325 volunteers provided activities for 450 children.
-The American Humanics Program, a national alliance of colleges, universities and nonprofit organizations, and newly established in the School of Public Affairs and Administration, that prepares undergraduates for careers with youth and human service agencies.
-The Kalamazoo Non Profit Resource Network with support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation permitting greater communication among the non-profits in Kalamazoo County.
Students at WMU are exposed to multiple avenues of possible engagement in the community where they will live as responsible, active individuals. Student-centered, the University is committed to the preparation of good citizens for the future.