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 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 online at https://www.edgewood.academics/collaborative-program-with-the-university-of-wisconsin.edu.  Application deadlines 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 UW’s Adult Career & Special Student Services office 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 also drop the course via Edgewood Express, or in person at Edgewood Central 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 Studies are intended for highly motivated, dedicated students who are willing to prepare a proposal for a course which must 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,

Instructors recognize that the student proposing an Independent Study seeks to further their learning in an area that is not provided in 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; Spanish Programs; Global Studies Minor; Latin American Studies Minor; study abroad courses; 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.
• 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

1. Freshman are invited to apply if they obtained a high school GPA of 3.75 or higher;
2. Maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA for the entire time they’re enrolled at Edgewood to remain in the Honors Program.

Transfer and Currently Enrolled Edgewood College Students

1. Transfer-in students should have a minimum GPA of 3.5 at entry or obtain a 3.5 within 2 semesters of Edgewood enrollment or
2. Evidence of participation in an Honors Program at another college or university
3. All other students, apply for entrance into program if:
   1. They have a minimum 3.5 GPA,
   2. Must enter by their 3rd semester of Edgewood Enrollment,
   3. Or with no more than 40 Edgewood credits for part-time students.

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.
   2. At least one additional Honors course or a course with an approved Honors upgrade per academic year, or until a minimum of four Honors courses are completed.
2. Attend at least four events per year which support academic knowledge
   1. To include virtual conferences and webinars, Career Services events;
   2. Funding assistance available to student who want to attend a conference for which a fee is required;
   3. Participation in study abroad experiences or domestic enrichment excursions may substitute for required events with approval from Honors Program Director;
   4. A leadership position in a national non-profit/service organization or on-campus organization/club waves two of the required events.Study Abroad Experience.
3. 10 hours of service per academic year.
   1. Students may participate in on-campus tutoring or academic assistance projects;
   2. Service to the community or non-profit organizations;
   3. Unpaid service to other academic institutions or students;
   4. Completion of a service-learning project, credit received to be determined by Honors Program Director.
4. Complete an Honors Scholarship Project and present project in an academic setting outside of the confines of a single course.
5. 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. Students are encouraged to pursue an engaging project through a variety of opportunities ranging from Independent Study within a discipline or major, COR 2 Research Independent Study, grant-funded inquiry, travel to conferences and symposia, and Edgewood Engaged.

Edgewood Engaged: A Student Research and Creative Inquiry Symposium is held annually in April.  This event showcases student scholarly work during our multiple day event. Students submit research abstracts in mid-March.  Formats accepted include traditional group and oral presentations, posters, art exhibitions, and a pitch competition/presentation.  Students from each discipline and at all levels of study - undergraduate through graduate - are invited to share their inquiries and research.

The Ebben Fund for Student Research provides students and mentors financial and administrative support.  Stipends awarded through the Ebben Fund range $500-$2,000.  Another avenue of support is the Research Support Funds.  These funds encourage participation in conferences and scholarly symposia or support necessary financial obligations for research and range from $100-750.  Both the Ebben Funds and the Research Support funds have priority deadlines on the 20th of each month during the academic year.  Additional money is available through our annual Trustee Opportunity fund and area divisions of the college.  Please contact Dr. Suzanne Otte, sotteallen@edgewood.edu or visit our website to learn more at 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.

Go to more information about Internships.  

Center for Multicultural Education

About CME

Located in DeRicci 203, the Center for Multicultural Education began in 2005, authorized by the Vice-President of Academic Affairs.  The Center served as the academic home for Ethnic Studies until 2018.  CME serves as the institutional center for multicultural teaching, scholarship, and learning at Edgewood College.  The mission of the Center is to promote, support 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.  The center is directed by a full-time director with support from a program coordinator and a faculty, staff, student, and advisory Board. 

Mission

The mission of Edgewood College’s Center for Multicultural Education (CME) is to promote inclusive college teaching practices that create meaningful learning opportunities for students.  By collectively and collaboratively engaging members of the Edgewood community toward becoming more effective instructors, the Center for Multicultural Teaching supports the educational mission of the college and enhances the learning experiences of its students.

CME offers programs and services in four primary and overlapping areas that advance our missions:

• Provide opportunities to develop and refine teaching skills through workshops, seminars, and individual and department level consultations;
• Consult with educators as they adopt and evaluate new teaching practices as part of their continuing faculty development;
• Foster campus conversations on equity, diversity, and inclusive teaching and learning that are informed by national and international higher education developments, as well as local issues and priorities; and
• Identify, share, and advocate for research-based practices in college teaching and the resources that support them.

Our offerings are available to all members of the Edgewood community interested in developing their teaching practices.

Vision

The Center for Multicultural Education work is guided by the knowledge that teaching is a scholarly pursuit that can be developed over time.  Educators of all experience levels can grow as teachers and continue to refine their pedagogy.  Since each teaching situation is unique, there is no one right way to teach.  The choices we make as instructors and the instructional approaches we use should be guided by our pedagogical goals, reflect our particular teaching contexts (content, students, environment) and be informed by the literature on teaching and learning.

The Center aims to promote effective teaching through a variety of complementary processes:

• We draw on and contribute to the body of scholarship on inclusive teaching and learning.
• We promote a deep understanding of educational processes by helping others critically reflect on their own teaching and their students’ learning.
• We foster communities of teachers at Edgewood so that members of these communities can learn from and support each other’s teaching experiences.
• And, in collaboration with a network of partners across the campus, we foster institutional structures and resources that support effective teaching at Edgewood.

Grounded in the educational research literature on diversity, equity and inclusion - CME defines inclusive teaching as, but not limited to, the following:

Inclusive teaching involves intentionally creating a learning environment where all students are treated equitably, have access to opportunities to learn, and feel a sense of value, support and a sense of academic belonging.  Inclusive pedagogy means valuing the social identities and actively working to disrupt the ways in which system inequities shape what we teach, how we teach, and the ways in which we interact in teaching-learning spaces.  CME defines inclusivity as including students of color, international students, first-generation college students, undocumented students, students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, students with disabilities, LGBQ students, transgender and gender nonconforming students, introverts, students experiencing emotional and mental health issues, students who practice a religious or spiritual tradition, students whose first language is something other than English - the center’s position on inclusivity is a recognition of the multiple ways in which students’ identify and the various ways in which such identities intersect to create lived experiences and realities.  

Individualized Majors and Minors

If your academic interests and life goals do not fit an existing program of study at Edgewood College, an Individualized Major or Minor may be the right option for you.  The Individualized Major and Minor (IM) Program provides students the opportunity to design a curriculum that meets their interests, commitments, passions, and career and life goals.  If you choose to pursue this option, an Edgewood College faculty advisor, or sometimes co-advisors, will work with you to develop a unique academic plan that combines classes, community-based learning, and other related experiences such as off-campus study and internships.  Your Individualized Major or Minor will enable you to combine learning, beliefs, and action - the essence of an Edgewood College undergraduate education.

Students with interests in multiple fields of study use the IM Program to develop interdisciplinary majors and minors that combine coursework and other experiences from two or more fields of study, or to add a specialized minor to an existing Edgewood College major.  An Individualized Major or Minor is not an appropriate choice when a student does not have a clear sense of purpose, or when a student is approaching graduation without another workable plan.  If you are considering an Individualized Major or Minor, you should begin planning as early as possible. Your academic advisor can help you begin this process, or can direct you to a member of the faculty who will guide you as you develop your ideas, plan a cohesive program of study, and write a proposal narrative that explains your Individualized Major and Minor and why it is right for you.