A laptop screen shows a grid of Zoom participants. A coffee mug sits to the left of the laptop. Text overlays read, "CEL Podcasts. First-Year Seminars. First-Year Seminars and First-Generation Students."

First-Year Seminars and First-Generation Students

In the third episode of our special series on first-year seminars, Lauren Feeley shares recent research on how first year seminars can specifically impact first-generation college students. View a transcript of this episode. Show Credits Episode Host Lauren Feeley is Program…

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Sense of Belonging in Internships

Making College “Worth It” – Season 2, Episode 8 In this episode, Nolan and Jessie talk with Dr. Melinda Adams and Dr. Jody Jessup-Anger about the relational aspects of internships. Our guests’ research explores how trust and sense of belonging contribute…

Background picture of a graduating student receiving their degree cape. In the top left corner is a large white starting quotation mark. Below is the text "Higher education can become a powerful tool for equity and transformation, preparing students to lead and innovate in an increasingly complex world." below it says "Cici Salazar". In the top right corner, a pale teal box with white text says "Signature Work"

How Inclusive Signature Work Impacts Students

In higher education, students are meant to turn what they learn into skills for their future careers. Signature work allows students to integrate their knowledge into solving real-world problems, according to the literature on this topic. Authors Elizabeth Jach and…

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The Role of Trust in Peer Support Programs

60-Second SoTL – Episode 57 This episode features an open access article exploring how peer support initiatives can facilitate meaningful relationships and sense of belonging when they attend to social connection, shared experience and culture, and interpersonal trust: Hamshire, Claire, Mimi…

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A Brief Overview of Research on First-Year Seminars

In the second episode of our special series on first-year seminars, Lucy Sneader shares recent research on first-year seminars as high-impact educational experiences. View a transcript of this episode. Show Credits Episode Host Lucy Sneader is Graduate Apprentice for Residence Life…

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History of Signature Work  

Previous posts in this series have introduced “signature work” and explored the variety of engaged learning activities that could be classified as signature work. In this post, I look at the history of signature work and reflect on its impact…

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What are First-Year Seminars

Special Series – First-Year Seminars | Episode 1 In the first episode of our special series on first-year seminars, Megan McMechen discusses what first-year seminars are and why they qualify as a high-impact educational practice. View a transcript of this…