Experiential Learning Program (ELP)
Objectives and Goals
The Experiential Learning Program (ELP) offers staff the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills from direct experiences outside a traditional work place setting. ELP encompasses a variety of programs including a student success and engagement speaker series, a campus and community partnership series, an assessment series, a learning at lunch series, and a symposium.
ELP offers opportunities for staff to engage intellectually, creatively, emotionally, or socially and to reflect, analyze and make meaning on topics such as: student success and engagement; robust partnerships; justification of program effectiveness; data informed action; student learning outcomes and wellness.
Goal #1:
Implement programs to advance the knowledge, skills, and attitudes expected of staff within the profession of Student Affairs.
Objective #1: Implement a bi-monthly Student Success and Engagement Speaker series.
The division of student affairs will be invited to attend a bi-monthly presentation from a leader within the profession of student affairs who will present on best practices of student success and engagement. After the presentation, the speaker will then facilitate an interactive activity and/or workshop.
Objective #2: Implement a bi-monthly Campus and Community Partnerships series. The Campus and Community Partnerships series is designed as structured learning environment where on-campus and off-campus community experts will be invited to present and facilitate discussions on how to foster partnerships within the campus community and the Merced community at large. Public service opportunities will also be incorporated into the series.
Objective #3: Continue the Assessment-Team (A-team) series. The A-team will present an educational series on various topics related to assessment practices.
Objective #4: Implement a bi-monthly Learning at Lunch series. The Learning at Lunch series is a monthly learning workshop series where in which a speaker will be invited to present on various topics ranging from personal and professional wellness, advising skills and techniques, leadership skills and more. After each presentation, the speakers will facilitate group conversation over a catered lunch.
Objective #5: Implement an Annual Professional Development Symposium. The Professional Development Symposium is designed to advance the knowledge, skills and attitudes expected of student affairs staff, within the context of student success and engagement; robust partnerships across campus and within the community; assessment; and personal and professional wellness.
Goal #2:
Implement mentoring opportunities to foster partnerships and promote peer interaction.
Objective #1: Create a bi-monthly group mentorship program.
The group mentorship program is designed as structured learning environment that shapes experiences and sets the stage for fostering partnerships by creating opportunities where emotional, social and cognitive experiences can be discussed in peer-to-peer relationships.
Goal #3:
Implement a consistent and positive onboarding process.
Objective #1: Create a robust new employee orientation.
The orientation will include activities and programs held at the beginning of employment to provide staff with an opportunity to take care of important tasks and to learn about UC Merced and the Merced community. The orientation includes sessions that provide practical information concerning the resources of departments and programs, the University and Merced.
Objective #2: Create a divisional handbook.
The handbook includes practical information concerning the resources of departments and programs, the University and Merced.
