February 27, 2024
Next-Gen K-State Applied Learning Imperative: Letter to campus from Dean Mary Tolar
Dear colleagues,
As we find our rhythm with the spring semester, I find inspiration from our students. Their commitment to learning, contributing and connecting — with new ideas, with one another, with our communities — models Next-Gen K-State and inspires confidence in a truly bright future.
I am writing today to update you on progress to meet our 2030 goal for all students to benefit from an applied learning experience. The imperative in our Next-Gen K-State strategic plan is a commitment to provide every degree-seeking student with real-time, real-world learning experiences before they graduate. Last fall, I shared an update outlining the beginning phase of the work, investment from the One K-State fund, and steps we will take to build on the successful programs K-State has in place and begin to scale our offerings to include all degree-seeking students.
A core team is working diligently to create a framework for this imperative. The team's initial charge is to deepen the understanding of applied learning by examining models at peer institutions, reviewing the growing body of literature and considering various types of learning experiences. Their synthesis of the applied learning landscape in higher education is the foundation for developing a model for K-State that is both comprehensive and excellent, as called for in the strategic plan.
An essential first step is to define applied learning in a context that supports identifying, tracking and scaling exceptional learning experiences for all students. We must commit to a shared definition of applied learning, the types of applied learning experiences supported in our K-State model and shared definitions of each. The core team is providing draft definitions based on their early work.
We invite you to review and provide feedback on draft definitions for applied learning at K-State and the four initial applied learning experiences — education abroad, internships, service-learning and undergraduate research. Your input will be used to further refine the definitions and support the next steps of identifying and evaluating types of applied learning experiences. The survey is available through March 19.
Our work continues. Next steps in further shaping the framework for applied learning at K-State include:
- Engaging academic partners across the university to identify and map excellent applied learning experiences already offered.
- Understanding what opportunities, gaps and obstacles exist.
- Piloting a grant process to provide direct support to students to enable them to take advantage of these opportunities.
- Launching a grant program to incentivize the expansion of opportunities through our academic departments.
Engaging the larger university community to deepen the conversation about what applied learning means for our university is a vital part in building a sustainable program. The survey for your input on the definition of applied learning and the initial applied learning experiences is a start. Watch for additional updates and outreach in the coming months, and visit our website to learn more.
Real-time, real-world learning is what our students want, what K-State does well and what a bright future requires. There is good work ahead!
Sincerely,
Mary Tolar
Dean, Staley School of Leadership