Additional Study Opportunities

Collaborative Program with UW-Madison

In order to supplement the instructional resources of Edgewood College and provide expanded opportunities to students, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Edgewood College have an agreement by which Edgewood College students may take courses at UW-Madison and have these courses and grades appear on their official Edgewood College record and included in the Edgewood College GPA. Students’ Edgewood College tuition payment covers the cost of the approved courses. The Collaborative Program is offered during the Fall and Spring semesters only; Winterim and Summer sessions are not included.

The Collaborative Program is open to full-time traditional undergraduate degree-seeking students who have completed at least one semester at Edgewood College, are in good academic standing, and have satisfied all financial obligations to the College. Students may take one course at UW-Madison each semester, not to exceed five credits, courses with both a lab and lecture component are considered one course. The course may not be offered at Edgewood College in the same semester. A course may not be repeated. Courses must be approved prior to registration and be applicable to the student’s Edgewood College degree.

The Collaborative Program application form may be obtained from Edgewood Central; deadlines for applying are July 1 for the Fall semester and December 1 for the Spring semester. Approval to participate in this program does not guarantee registration, which is subject to available space in the course, according to UW’s policies. As part of the application process, students also apply to the UW Continuing Studies Program and follow UW registration procedures. Fees are deferred to Edgewood College when students register at the UW.

In order to withdraw from a course, in addition to officially dropping the course at UW, the student must officially drop the course at Edgewood Central at Edgewood College in accordance with published procedures and deadlines. Deadlines may be different at each institution; it is the student’s responsibility to understand the procedures and policies for each institution.

Independent Study

Independent Study is intended for highly motivated, dedicated students who are willing to prepare a proposal for a course which then may be approved by their directing professor. Students may take an Independent Study course on a selected topic for which they develop their own curriculum. Such courses are based on individualized and independent learning and are developed with a directing professor to include specific learning goals and regularly scheduled meetings with the professor.

Instructors recognize that the student proposing an Independent Study seeks to further their learning in an area that is not provided in the current course offerings. Students are limited to one Independent Study course of up to four credits per semester. General Education requirements may not be fulfilled through Independent Study. Independent Study courses may not be audited. Students must complete an Independent Study contract (available through the Registrar’s website, http://registrar.edgewood.edu) with their directing instructor and register for the appropriate Independent Study course within an academic department or School. The contract must be submitted in the first quarter of the term to qualify for 3-4 credits and in the first half of the term to qualify for 1-2 credits. Registering after these deadlines will require approval from the Academic Deans’ Office. Departments and schools may have policies that supersede this policy, so it is recommended that students consult with their directing professor in advance of proposing an Independent Study contract.

Center for Global Education

The Center for Global Education was established in 2004 to direct and promote the various international initiatives of the College. As part of its core mission and liberal arts foundation, Edgewood College aspires to promote knowledge and experience of global dynamics in the contemporary world, the ability to analyze and to value other cultures, and the skills to become effective global citizens. To achieve this, the College engages its faculty, students, and staff in the ongoing process of integrating a global perspective into all facets of campus life, linking curricular and co-curricular initiatives and creating a more globally -oriented learning community. The College’s goal is a globalized Edgewood College campus. This includes a curriculum with international and global content, broad student participation in study abroad, a significant presence of international students on campus, co-curricular activities around global themes and strong faculty and staff engagement in global programs. The Center’s efforts are devoted to educating globally competent students who have the cross-cultural skills to know and esteem others’ perspectives, a deep understanding of global interdependence, and acceptance of differences.

The Center concerns itself with six areas:

• Curriculum
• Study Abroad
• Faculty Development
• International Students
• Co-curricular activities
• Initiatives to specific world regions

The Center for Global Education assists faculty to incorporate a global perspective in the curriculum, plans global enriched learning activities for students in and out of the classroom, offers opportunities for students and faculty to participate directly in a global experience through study abroad and faculty/student exchange, and provides support and guidance for international students.

Edgewood College has established as an academic priority the integration of a global perspective into its curriculum. By taking courses with global/international content, students prepare themselves to be global citizens who carry out the Mission of “building a just and compassionate world.” Key features of the College’s global/international curriculum are: a foreign language requirement; a global perspectives requirement; French and Spanish Programs; an International Relations Major; Global Studies Minor; Latin American Studies Minor; COR 2 International Seminars; and many courses with significant global/international content.

Visit the Center for Global Education’s website for more information: http://globaleducation.edgewood.edu.

Study Abroad

Edgewood College strongly recommends its students study abroad. Experiencing another culture firsthand is a unique opportunity for students to learn about the world and their place in it. Students are given a wide choice of programs that will enhance their liberal arts education with a global perspective. The Center for Global Education staff is available to advise and assist students at all stages of the study abroad experience, from identifying and choosing a suitable program to negotiating the application process; from providing pre-departure orientation sessions to helping returned students use their international experience to bring a global dimension to campus. The Center staff coordinates all Edgewood College programs abroad and also facilitates student participation in study abroad programs offered by other organizations. Program offerings include, but are not limited to:

• Short-term (1-3 weeks) options are available primarily through the COR program. These are typically semester courses taught by Edgewood College faculty and include an international travel component during Winterim or summer.
• A summer Spanish-language, culture and community engagement program in Arequipa, Peru.
• An exchange semester or year at Masaryk University in the Czech Republic.
• An exchange semester at the Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences in Karlsruhe, Germany for Business and Computer Information Systems majors.
• A semester or year abroad in Northern Ireland through the Irish-American Scholar Program.
• An exchange semester or year abroad at a university in one of 50 countries through the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP). See www.isep.org.
• Summer international internship programs open to students in most majors with one of our study abroad providers.
• An approved program with an affiliated or non-affiliated institution or study abroad provider.

Policies

Preparation

Planning ahead, ideally one year in advance, for a successful study abroad experience is essential. Students should meet with a peer advisor, work with a study abroad advisor, and participate in the Center for Global Education’s pre-departure orientation programs.

GPA

GPA requirements vary by program. Students must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA to apply for an Edgewood College sponsored semester or academic year program. Some short-term programs and non-Edgewood College sponsored programs may have lower GPA requirements.

Status

To participate in a semester or yearlong program, you must have at least second semester sophomore status during your study abroad term. Freshmen are encouraged to participate in short-term programs and to start planning the process for a semester or year length study abroad program. Nursing students have different status requirements and should consult with the Center for Global Education as early as possible to explore study abroad options.

Credit and Financial Aid

All students must work with the staff of the Center, an academic advisor, a financial aid advisor and the Registrar’s Office to assure that all procedures for course selection and pre-approval, transfer of academic credit, applicability of financial aid, and program payment are followed.

The cost of some programs are based on Edgewood College tuition and room and board, and Edgewood College, state, and federal financial aid are applicable. Students enrolled in a study abroad program approved for transfer of credit by Edgewood College may be eligible for financial assistance under Title IV, HEA programs, (§485(a)(1)(N)).

Study abroad scholarships are available for most programs.

Visit the Center for Global Education’s website for more information: http://globaleducation.edgewood.edu.

Honors Program

The Edgewood College Honors Program is designed to meet the needs of academically talented students by providing opportunities for intellectual and social development both in and out of the classroom. In the classroom, Honors courses promote excellent teaching through active-learning environments. Beyond the classroom, the Honors Program provides experiences to enrich and expand college life. The goal of the Honors Program is to provide students opportunities for intellectual challenge, stimulation and creativity.

For more information, please visit https://www.edgewood.edu/academics/honors-program.

Honors Program Requirements

The Honors Program at Edgewood College seeks to meet the academic needs of capable, highly motivated students by providing opportunities for intellectual and social development where students meet and interact with like-minded students who share similar goals. Honors students enhance the academic climate in their courses and contribute to raising academic standards throughout the College.

The Honors Program provides:

• Intellectual challenge and engagement.
• Stimulating events and activities outside the classroom.
• Membership in a community of diverse, motivated students from across campus who share academic interests.
• The opportunity to hone leadership and interpersonal skills through participation in activities and service on the Honors Committee.
• Opportunities offered by the National Collegiate Honors Council programs.
• The opportunity to enhance potential for graduate study and employment.

Application for Admissions to the Honors Program

New Freshman who meet the following criteria will be automatically invited:

1. A minimum high school GPA of 3.5.
2. A minimum ACT composite score of 24.

Transfer and Currently Enrolled Students can request membership with:

1. Minimum transfer GPA or Edgewood College Cumulative GPA of 3.3.
2. Student statement describing past activities and reasons for applying to the Honors Program.
3. Successful completion of an Honors course in one of the first two semesters at Edgewood College.
4. Must maintain a GPA of 3.3 or higher.
5. Application must be submitted prior to completion of 60 credits toward graduation.

Benefits

1. Priority registration for active Honors students.
2. Opportunities for travel and enhanced experiences in and out of the classroom.
3. Funding for research, travel, and enrichment experiences.
4. Work one-on-one with a faculty member on original research.
5. Diploma recognition as a “Graduate of the Honors Program.”

To Graduate as a Member of the Honors Program

1. Complete at least four Honors Program courses:
   1. One Honors course within the student’s first two semesters at Edgewood College (Honors COR 1, Honors COMMS 100 and/or Honors English 110 are strongly recommended).
   2. At least one additional Honors course per academic year (or non-Honors courses with an elective Honors contract upgrade) until a total of at least four Honors courses are completed.
2. Earn a minimum of six Honors Program points:
   1. Study Abroad Experience.
   2. Pre-approved domestic enrichment excursions.
      1. National Collegiate Honors Council, “Partners in the Parks”
      2. Council on Undergraduate Research or other similar research conferences.
   3. Honors Program sponsored activities such as concerts, seminars, lectures, symposia or field trips and reflections- 1 point each.
   4. Service learning project.
3. Complete an Honors Scholarship Project.
4. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or above.

Student Research and Creative Inquiry

Student research has been a long-standing feature of the Edgewood College experience for both students and faculty. Illuminating the significance of inquiry and creative activity is an integral part of a liberal arts education in the Dominican tradition. Since 2013, our program has been supported through an office of student research, located in the School of Integrative Studies. Specific program areas offer many rich opportunities for students to work independently, and under the mentorship of a faculty advisor, in addition to research at various levels of sophistication and engagement through coursework and other opportunities.

Annually, Edgewood Engaged: A Student Research and Creative Inquiry Symposium is held on the Monroe Street campus in mid-April. This event showcases student scholarly work during our multiple- day event. Research abstracts are due in late February for most disciplines, and presentations may be held formally during oral presentations, poster presentations, and in less- formal and other creative formats. The symposium also features a keynote address, which celebrates scholarly achievement by hosting a guest to campus for our annual event. Many additional showcase opportunities, designed to allow students to share the product of one’s research and inquiry within unique disciplines, are offered to students throughout the academic year.

Edgewood College remains committed to offering financial support to those interested in pursuing an engaged learning project through Student Research and Creative Inquiry. Students are encouraged to pursue projects within stated disciplines, at the intersection of two or more discourses, as well as within the purview of Community Involvement, the Honors Scholarship Project, Study Abroad, and other program areas across the college. These funds are designed to encourage students in STEM as well as non-STEM areas of inquiry to address research and inquiry at a relatively high level of pursuit and engagement. Undergraduate students may submit applications to receive stipends, ranging from $400-$1200 per project/student, to support research and creative inquiry projects. Funds are intended to serve as a stipend. The Ebben Fund for Undergraduate Research, and the Summer Undergraduate Research Program provide an average of  $15,000 in stipends annually to qualifying and interested students. A minimum 3.0 GPA requirement, and additional criteria apply. Please contact the Director for Student Research to learn more about opportunities, requirements, expectations, and additional resources. While there is no fixed deadline for applications, generally students must submit an application mid-February for Summer projects, and within 8-10 weeks prior to the start of each semester for project conducted at other intervals.

Student travel funds are available to both graduate and undergraduate students to participate in professional/academic conferences. Additional funds are available for students whose projects have been accepted for off-campus presentation. These funds are administered through the Dean of Integrative Studies office. Many students leverage these funds through additional support provided by academic disciplines and other resources, including professional organizations. Please contact your mentor to learn more about the availability of funds to offset expenses associated with attending and presenting at professional conferences and meetings.

Students wishing to learn more are encouraged to consult the student research webpage:  http://studentresearch.edgewood.edu/.

Internships

An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional or community setting. Internships provide resources, equipment, and facilities that enable students to gain experience in a professional work environment, and provide students with skills or knowledge that are transferable to other settings. Internships with defined learning objectives, professional supervision, and opportunities for reflection offer valuable enriched learning experiences.  

Internships at Edgewood College are founded in the Dominican tradition, and focus on our COR questions:

• Who am I and who could I become? Internships help students explore environments that parallel with their personal identity, values and interests.
• What are the needs and opportunities of the world? Internships allow students the opportunity to apply and develop their knowledge, skills and abilities to real-world experiences.
• What is my role in building a just and compassionate world? Students will explore career options that fit who they are and match their skills to the needs of the world – either clarifying or opening their minds to pathways to pursue after graduation.

Many majors require an internship for their area of study. If not required, internships are highly recommended and supported for all students on campus. In addition, students are choosing to experience multiple internships throughout their time at Edgewood College to further deepen their knowledge and skill base.

Edgewood College remains committed to offering support to students pursuing an engaged learning experience through an internship. An internship preparation course is available to all students on campus, where they will be equipped with knowledge for procuring internships, develop a growth mindset, and explore behavioral and professional skills which will prepare them for their internship experience. This course creates a learning pathway that reinforces the COR values of Edgewood College and vocational discernment through applying academic knowledge to ethical action in the workplace.

In addition, Institutional Course (IC) for-credit and not-for-credit classes are in place to provide further opportunities for students to engage in their learning through internships. These courses are designed to provide all students with the opportunity to examine the practical implications of their studies and to gain skills to enable them to be successful professionals.

The Academic Success and Career Development Center has developed many tools to support all students in their internship experience. Our online career management system, Career Connect, allows students to create a visual profile for employers to view their information, upload a resume to be reviewed and approved by a career counselor, and search for internship opportunities. In addition, students have a relationship with Academic and Career Counselors throughout their time at Edgewood College, where they can make a 1:1 appointment or come to drop-in hours to assist them at any point in their internship preparation, reflection, or search process.

Edgewood College, with support from the Center for Global Education and the Academic Success and Career Development Center, is also proud to offer international internship opportunities for our students. The International Internship Cohort program is a hybrid study abroad program which offers students an independent professional development opportunity while benefiting from a group structured program. Students participate in an 8-week long internship program during the summer term. Students intern in the same location, however, placements are personalized for each student’s major and area of focus. Participants enroll in an internship course while abroad, which may count toward their major specific internship course requirement. International internship opportunities in other locations and programs are also available and supported on campus.

Students wishing to learn more are encouraged to consult with their faculty advisor, and/or refer to the Career Development resources: https://careers.edgewood.edu/ or success@edgewood.edu.

Center for Multicultural Education

The Vice President of Academic Affairs at Edgewood College authorized the Center for Multicultural Education (CME) in 2005. The CME serves as the institutional resource for faculty development leadership for inclusive and multicultural models of learning, teaching and scholarship at Edgewood College; and as an engaged, innovative partner in the greater Madison community toward the pursuit of social justice.

Mission

The mission of CME is to support, promote, and advance the themes of the 2017 Edgewood College Strategic Framework of Inclusion, Student Learning, and Community Impact through a lens of multicultural inquiry, understanding, communication, and faculty engagement to affirm the identity, mission, vision, and promise of Edgewood College.

Programmatic Foci

The Multicultural Education Program focuses on the development of faculty knowledge, skills, and understanding to advance equitable learning environments, as well as the cultivation of cultural humility across the whole of Academic Affairs related to the strategic goals of Edgewood College and the CME.

Multicultural Education Program

The vision of the Multicultural Education Program is to be a recognized primary institutional resource for faculty development leadership for inclusive models of learning, and scholarship at Edgewood College; and as an engaged, innovative, partner in the greater Madison community towards the pursuit of social justice.

Goals

The goals of the Multicultural Education Program (CME) are to:

• Assist faculty in developing and utilizing multicultural pedagogy in the classroom
• Support multicultural research and scholarship
• Raise awareness of multicultural issues and perspectives in higher education
• Enhance faculty’s interactions with diverse communities within and outside of the College
• Collaborate and build partnerships with other campus colleagues and units who have diversity and inclusion leadership roles, expertise, and interest
• Participate in campus initiatives and events aimed at developing equitable learning environments for students from historically marginalized backgrounds; and
• Cultivate relationships and partnerships with multicultural student organizations and their members

CME has a Director who can be contacted for more information.

Individualized Majors and Minors

The Individualized Major or Minor (IM) offers students the opportunity to create a curriculum around their own academic interests and life goals.  Students use the Individualized Program to develop integrative majors or minors that Edgewood does not offer, or they use the program to add a specialized, integrative minor to a current major.  The Individualized Program is a good option when students have interdisciplinary goals that are not possible to achieve with an existing Edgewood College major or minor, and when students want to pursue a major or minor we do not have in the catalog, but for which we have relevant courses available.  It is not an appropriate choice when students do not have a clear sense of purpose, or when students are approaching graduation without another workable plan.  Students contemplating an Individualized Major or Minor will need to do some careful planning in order for it to be approved.  Students should begin planning as early as possible to develop their academic plan.  It is the student’s responsibility to initiate the proposal, do the needed research, and write a proposal narrative that will be compelling to the IM Review Committee.