University of Wisconsin-Parkside students, as campus constituencies, have the opportunity to develop their civic competencies through community-based research projects linked to their academic learning. As team members of a student research assistant group with the Institute for Community-Based Learning, students participate in real projects of impact and relevance that address the needs of local government, schools, non-profits, and businesses in the surrounding communities of Racine and Kenosha counties.

Student research assistants are prepared through their academic curriculum with research method courses, in addition to specific training with the Statistical Package in Social Sciences (SPSS). This SPSS training teaches students to critically evaluate public problems and apply analytical techniques that allow for more informed decision-making. Upon completion of the required coursework, faculty members are encouraged to participate in the public culture on campus through nomination of students for the research assistant team.

As research assistants, students are assigned to work on research project requests that are initiated by the community, for the community. Such requests have varied from land use planning surveys for town government to parent satisfaction surveys for private schools. Student research assistants are responsible for the coding and input of data sets, the generation of reports, and the presentation of project results. In some cases, student research assistants are involved in the research design and data collection processes as well. Additional opportunities to increase their knowledge of public problems and the appreciation of others occur through literature searches and background studies to address community needs.

Administratively, the structure of the student research assistant team has been created to sustain civic engagement and public contributions through the generation of revenue gained through the community research projects. Funds collected for service delivery are reallocated back to the Institute for Community-Based Learning to maintain appropriate compensation for the student research assistants and to build the capacity to meet the needs of the community. Furthermore, additional funding sources are continuously identified to promote the integration of academic knowledge with the application of civic responsibility. The Community Research Coordinator housed within the Institute for Community-Based Learning tracks revenue and the evaluation of community research projects.

Currently, the Institute for Community-Based Learning, in concert with the Engaged University Council, is organizing a recognition event for faculty, staff, students, and community members who have participated in university-community partnerships. Plans include poster sessions and opportunities for students to both present and demonstrate the learning outcomes associated with their experience.

E-mail contact: community.partnerships {at} uwp(.)edu

Center for Community Partnerships web site: http://www.uwp.edu/admin/community.partnerships/