Research & Outreach

Part of the Task Force's charge was to gather data and talk with campus and community members regarding this initiative. We did gather demographic information about other Vermont higher education institutions, as well as diversity data among Vermont high school graduates. The Task Force found that interactions with campus and community members provided essential insights and assistance in moving toward our goal.

Interview with International Students at Champlain:

• Need to make a very early connection with American students
• Sometimes never called on in classroom because they are "different" or English language skill may not be a good as others
• Can feel invisible in the classroom; no one reaches out to include them in small groups
• Living in dorm really important; students in apartments are even more isolated
• Being part of International Club is important for connections made there more easily
• Also need outside opportunities to connect with others -- trips, social events, etc.
• Need a balance between being independent and being taken care of as special
• Small group work in classroom is difficulty; international student often chosen last
• American students do not know how to approach international students

Presentation on the Global Appreciation Competency by Gary Scudder: Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate an understanding of the essential concepts, trends and foundations of world civilizations (history core courses)
• Demonstrate cultural awareness/sensitivity in one's own life (multicultural appreciation, small more personal understanding of the world)
• Demonstrate responsibilities and opportunities of operating within a global environment (being a global citizen, understanding bigger world issues)
• Apply knowledge and skills associated with Global Appreciation in one's major as appropriate
• Concern is that GA competency is not fully implemented throughout each program and major

Presentation by current Champlain students working in schools with diverse populations:

• Most powerful experience in college career
• Our students learn so much by sharing in the cultural experiences of the younger students
• Experience as a teacher is greatly enhanced
• Need more students to volunteer for this experience

Interview with Faculty Member Hal Colston:

• Need faculty and staff of color and diversity in the classroom
• Discussed the development of the Multicultural Affairs Committee from original Diversity Champlain group
• Need an office running a program -- need someone who is high profile to drive this work
• At UVM there are resources: Katherine Freidman, Christopher Columbus, ALANA student center, Cultural Pluralism classes

Interview with Faculty Member Tom Myers:

• International business program includes students from Africa, Vietnam, Bosnia; students intend to come here and return to home countries to start businesses
• Wants to tap into local refugee population
• It is very enriching for students in class to hear personal experiences of their peers
• Currently students can do internships in Barcelona, Mumbai, Dubai
• There is a required internship in international business

Interview with Faculty Member Colin Ducolon:

• NYC trip in Fall 2005 to identify student teacher sites and identify possible underrepresented populations that might develop an interest in Champlain
• Looked at 6 schools (NY and NJ) -- 4 high schools and 2 elementary
• A group of high school students are coming to Champlain through the VT Writers Conference on May 25