CBL Semester Timelines
PRE-SEMESTER TO FIRST FIVE WEEKS
CBL staff welcomes new and returning instructors who are teaching CBL courses for that semester by:
- Send a “welcome back” email to all instructors listed as teaching a CBL course the week before classes start (late August)
- A welcome packet to brand-new professors containing what CBL does and how we can help. This packet should include a cover letter, a general informational CBL flyer, Menu of Assistance with timeline printed on the back, and examples of projects within discipline—at Parkside and nationally (first week)
- Make an appearance for student orientation, if possible
- Make an appearance for new faculty orientation, if possible
CBLR staff meets with instructors in person to sign agreement and fill out informational sheet. This information is recorded on a database on the I: drive, then filed physically. (This can be done at Open House)
Spread word to students: set up a table with a display, in Wyllie and the Union Bridge during the first week or two weeks of classes. Flyers will be handed out—how to get the certificate, what courses are offered (with descriptions of projects)
MIDDLE FIVE WEEKS OF SEMESTER
CBLR staff contacts instructors to see how projects are going and if they need any extra assistance, according to need/ what was referred to in the initial agreement
Five weeks into semester: CBLR staff sends fliers to CBL instructors for the students in their classes to inform them of the CBL certificate. At the request of the instructor, CCP staff visits classes to discuss importance of community based learning, and the benefits of it to the student, as well as the importance of reflection, etc.
Publicize to students: when registration for upcoming semester is available, table advertisement. An ad is sent to the Parkside radio. Specific fliers are sent to departments for advising. Ad may or may not be sent to Ranger News, depending on cost. Send general flyers to advising center for undeclared students.
For students and instructors: “Open-area workshop”—possibly in Main Place , for students and faculty to showcase successful projects
LAST FIVE WEEKS OF SEMESTER
Five weeks before finals, contact instructors about end-of-semester evaluations
Visit CBL classes and hand out surveys to the professors and students, as pre-arranged with instructors.
Ask professors about classes and projects that they might have in mind or are teaching the following semester in time to be sent to the registrar's office
Thank-you cards, door decorating, and acknowledgements (Note: There is currently a section on the survey for students to nominate their course/professor as exceptional)
