advertisement

North Central grant strengthens vocational exploration

Vocational exploration and making a difference in our world are central components of a $50,000 program development grant North Central College received from the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education, known as NetVUE.

The two-year grant gives North Central College an opportunity to enhance, expand, strengthen and unify existing programs related to exploring vocation. Students will have more opportunities to explore educational experiences to help them discover their vocational interests. They also will gain skills they need for that vocation.

"We do a great job in our academic programs and co-curricular experiences to prepare students to be informed, involved, principled and productive citizens and leaders over their lifetime," said Jeremy Gudauskas, '99/M '11, associate dean of students and co-manager of the grant program.

"Receiving this grant helps us do more. It gives us the opportunity to enhance what we already do and broaden the spectrum of opportunities for vocational or career exploration."

A key objective for this grant is unifying a campuswide strategy related to vocation and social impact. As students consider their majors and career goals, they will have new educational opportunities to explore and connect those goals with their purpose or calling in life.

Most students want to make a positive impact in the world but may lose their vision along the way, Gudauskas said.

"We'll be here to provide advanced training and give them the tools to transition from wanting to make a difference to actually making it happen," he said.

North Central will use the grant to infuse the intellectual and theological exploration of vocation into existing offerings in the Leadership, Ethics and Values; First-Year Experience; student leadership; and local and global immersion programs. It also will support ongoing functions of related campus departments.

A new proposed undergraduate course in social entrepreneurship and enhanced content of existing courses in the Leadership, Ethics and Values program will expose students to opportunities in social impact fields.

Cardinal Camps, a First-Year Experience program, is another avenue for exploration. For example, a new camp led by the campus chaplain will present theological exploration in Chicago's urban setting, giving students opportunities to experience varied ways to minister and serve as a career choice.

Additional camp options are centered on possible careers in health care, theater, interactive media, sports and social innovation.

Additional immersion learning experiences - locally, nationally and internationally - will provide hands-on experiences. Students will go places and discover career possibilities never considered before. Those who want to develop a new student organization or campus initiative related to social impact will have funding available to them.

In addition, vocational services, tools and training will be added through the offices of Career Development and Ministry and Service. Training and equipping students, faculty and staff also may include speakers, conferences and consultations with experts and social impact organizations.

Efforts related to the grant will be guided by an advisory board of several faculty and staff and three co-managers. The program manager is Gudauskas; project leader is Whitney Roberts '08/M '13, assistant director for civic engagement; and faculty lead is Tom Cavenagh, Schneller Sisters Professor of Leadership, Ethics and Values, professor of business law and conflict resolution, director of Leadership, Ethics and Values and coordinator of master of leadership studies program.

North Central is a member of NetVUE, a nationwide network of colleges and universities that was formed to enrich the intellectual and theological exploration of vocation among undergraduate students.

This initiative is administered by the Council of Independent Colleges with support from Lilly Endowment Inc. and members' dues.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.