The Center for the Study of Local Issues: Overview Review CSLI History/Mission Opportunities for Student Learning and Civic Awareness Your Help Dan Nataf, Ph.D., Director Center for the Study of Local Issues Anne Arundel Community College 101 College Parkway Arnold, MD

CSLI History and Mission Historical Background: CSLI’s three periods 1. Creation and operation as part of Division of Social Sciences: – a community college ‘research center’ 2. Operation under Vice President for Learning Operation as part of Paul S. Sarbanes Center for Public and Community Service 2006-present – Advisory Board – provides guidance

CSLI History and Mission Provide students opportunities to better understand applied social science research methods while encouraging civic awareness and engagement Serve community and local government by offering research services and communicating survey findings Provide opportunities for faculty professional development Help AACC understand its environment through relevant data collection and analysis Mission – four elements

Mission: Provide students opportunities to better understand applied social science research methods while encouraging civic awareness and engagement Participation in community surveys Participation in client based research projects Student internships CSLI student club CSLI History and Mission Activities providing student opportunities

Community Surveys 1.Conducted in March and October 2.Telephone interviews – completions 3.Press releases 4.Public presentations 5.Media outreach 6.Web site ( CSLI’s Signature Product: The Semi-annual Survey

Community Surveys Service Learning Five contacts with CSLI Introductory meeting – overview of process, previous findings, purpose of samples/surveys 3 nights of telephone interviews Final meeting – review of survey process, findings, SPSS/hypotheses testing Semi-annual survey – how students participate

Community Surveys Extra Credit Instructor determines number/character of contacts with CSLI Examples: 1 or 2 nights of telephone interviewing Introductory meeting, 1 night of telephone interviews, final meeting Semi-annual survey – how students participate

Community Surveys: Survey Content Suggestions for Survey content Instructor uses themes from course to suggest survey topics, discusses with students Examples: Chemistry – global warming, public perceptions, policy options Business – marketing, public perceptions of small business, business climate Sociology/political science/human services, English – gender gap, perceptions of race and class, policy and partisanship Semi-annual survey – how students participate

Semi-annual Surveys: Major Topics Most important issue facing residents of the county Economic conditions in the county Perceptions of BRAC’s impact on the county The vision for public schools in the county Cigarette Tax Death Penalty President Bush’s job approval Lots of demographic info: age, income, occupational status, race, religion, gender, party, ideology Semi-annual survey – topics over the last couple of years

Semi-annual Surveys: Sample of Findings Economic conditions in Anne Arundel County

Semi-annual Surveys: Sample of Findings President Bush’s Job Approval in Anne Arundel County

Semi-annual Surveys: Sample of Findings Visions for Anne Arundel County Public Schools

Plans for the Future: Online Surveys Web panel – addresses to be collected this fall Offers possibilities of monthly surveys More options for faculty and students to participate

Mission: Student Participation, Community Outreach Activity: External funded projects Externally financed projects – 60 such projects Revenue generated: $250,000+ Anne Arundel County Public Schools Association of Women in Communication Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks Maryland Comptroller’s Office Anne Arundel County Executive – Commission on Women Anne Arundel Police Department Maryland Department of Natural Resources Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis Capital newspaper Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corporation Leadership Anne Arundel WNAV radio station Annapolis Regional Transportation Project (city, county, state). Anne Arundel County Public Library System

Activity: External funded projects – student roles Students help organize and carry out project related tasks Data collection Data analysis Statistical analysis Report editing,

Other Student-related Activities: Internships and a student club Student Internships: students participate in all aspects of CSLI activities Manage projects Attend presentations Write reports Independent research Client contacts

Other Student-related Activities: Internships and a student club Student Club: Organized in 2005 Attend political events – Obama campaign event in Prince George’s County, Jefferson-Jackson Democratic Dinner Lunch with invited guests - journalists, elected officials, government administrators, others Visit political institutions – MD General Assembly Speeches – at think tanks, universities Candidate forums - help organize and staff

How can you help CSLI? Recruit students for CSLI activities Use CSLI findings in your courses Make survey topic suggestions Tell us about any research interests you have – client projects may require your expertise! Join the CSLI board Get on the CSLI mailing list (check Web site)