Holistic Student Development: Senior Legacy Symposium at Saint Louis University Shelley Sawalich, Ph.D. Director, Academic Support Amanda Lutjen Coordinator, Undergraduate Initiatives

Five Dimensions of the SLU experience Scholarship & Knowledge By developing a well-rounded educational foundation which incorporates learning through experience, by becoming scholars in their chosen fields, and by dedicating themselves to the advancement of knowledge, students are prepared for advanced study, for their careers, and for lifelong learning. Intellectual Inquiry & Communication By developing the abilities of intellectual inquiry and communication, students are able to learn effectively, express ideas and concepts clearly, and apply their knowledge to new situations they encounter. Community Building By welcoming and working with others, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or gender, students build an inclusive community which leads to respect and compassion for human life and the dignity of each person. Leadership & Service By serving others and by promoting social justice, students become men and women for others who lead by their example. Spirituality & Values By developing their spirituality, values and openness to the transcendent, students determine principles to guide their actions and their relationships with others.

Transition Programs at SLU First-Year Experience ◦ SLU 101 Summer Orientation ◦ Welcome Week ◦ Learning Communities ◦ First-Year Summer Reading ◦ University 101 course Sophomore/Junior-Year Experience ◦ Welcome Back Week ◦ Jesuit Events ◦ Last Lecture Series ◦ Internships & Job Shadowing

Transition Programs at SLU Senior-Year Experience Senior educational events Smart Investing, 401K, & paying back student loans Senior celebration events Senior Night at a Billiken Men’s Basketball Game Senior Night at a Cardinals Game Senior reflection events Senior Legacy Symposium Senior Reception with the Jesuits

Learning outcomes Students will demonstrate application of their experiences to other settings (i.e. employers, graduate school, community) Students will feel a sense of belonging with the University community (faculty, staff and students) Various others could be addressed by students dependent on Symposium project

Senior Legacy Symposium Provides seniors with an opportunity to reflect on a specific experience/project in relation to the Five Dimensions of the SLU Experience Provides a venue for professional presentation preparation and communication for seniors Provides a showcase opportunity for student academic achievements to celebrate accomplishments Provides an opportunity for seniors to ‘leave behind’ a major contribution to their field of study or to the University Provides an awareness of academic possibilities and contributions for the University community, including first-year through junior students Provides a community-building opportunity for students, faculty, staff, and alumni

Senior Legacy Symposium Senior Legacy Symposium Video History of the Program ◦ Who? ◦ Why? ◦ When? ◦ How?

Planning Details Timeline (event in late April) Expectations ◦ Timelines ◦ Format Certificates and Awards ◦ Judging vs. non-judging

Other Planning Considerations Departmental Support Faculty involvement Space Promotional items and signage Special presentation needs Awards Communication challenges

Assessment Reflection based assessment Pre-event reflection questions ◦ How have your experiences at SLU led you to choose your topic? ◦ Has working on this projected affected your confidence in your chosen career? Post-event reflection questions ◦ Did anyone challenge your conclusions? How did you handle these challenges? ◦ How competent do you feel in your ability to conduct future research?

Pre-event Assessment Findings The Preparation Survey was sent to 134 students and 61 students chose to fully participate. Students selected topics for both academic and personal interest reasons. 80% of participants expressed increased confidence in their selected career field. 77% feel more connected to the campus community 98% of participants said they have strengthened their critical thinking skills 77% of participants felt that their project helped them examine their values.

Post-event Assessment Findings The Reflection Survey was sent to 134 students and 47 students chose to fully participate 87% of participants felt more confident to conduct research 83% of participants learned how to vary their communication style based on the audience 94% of participants felt the experience assisted in providing closure to the SLU experience 79% of participants reported that the project had an effect on their values and beliefs 77% of participants have changed their perspective on their research from when they first began

Questions & Discussion