I would like to address the misinformation being circulated regarding the Associated Students of the University of Utah’s proposal for the community engagement corequisite.
This corequisite is an opportunity for students to apply what they are learning in the classroom to the community in a way that promotes public benefit. It does not mandate service and includes no service-hour requirement.
Participation in one of the three tracks could fulfill the corequisite:
1) Experiential learning courses such as service-learning courses.
2) Current departmental requirements such as student teaching, College of Social Work practicums, field experiences, capstone projects, internships and so on.
3) Internships or engaged research such as Hinckley Institute of Politics internships, Career Services internships, Study Abroad with public benefit focus, or community-based research such as the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
The benefits for students from these experiences are numerous and long-lasting. All experiences are academic and might include compensation. Therefore, it is not service, because one is always obtaining something in return for his or her work.
The corequisite would be initiated no earlier than Fall 2010 for entering freshmen, allowing them at least four years to incorporate the experience into their academic curriculum, thereby not delaying graduation and providing time for departments to further integrate these types of experiences into their curriculum.
The proposal has been discussed with 13 deans, the department chairs, the undergraduate council, a consortium of advisers, a committee of more than 30 academics, our Executive Cabinet, numerous student groups, and in-focus groups for the Student Assembly and Senate.
Furthermore, a 27-question survey was released to the student body in which 12 percent of students responded, the majority in favor of participating in such experiences before they graduate. Our approach has always been comprehensive, inclusive and in no way indicative of abuse of trust or power.
We are always open to dialogue and discussion and look forward to exploring and enhancing the initiative in the months ahead.
Editor’s Note8212;Patrick Reimherr is President of the Associated Students of the University of Utah.
Patrick Reimherr