Strategy: Contribute to the solution of society’s most pressing problems locally and around the globe through disciplinary and interdisciplinary research, lifelong education and community partnerships.
Point People: William Lacy and Neal Van Alfen
Narrative Summary of Second Year Implementation Efforts:
Strategy #1 of the Engagement goal continues to be perhaps the most comprehensive, general and broad-based. In addition, it is often the least well-documented. The indicators call for increasing the level and quality of research and educational activities across the entire university devoted to addressing key societal issues and improving quality of life. Moreover, the indicators include expansion of the number, nature and impact of researchers and educators involved in disciplinary and interdisciplinary work focused on societal issues and increased recognition for research and educational projects that successfully address societal issues. It is clear that there is substantial overlap with this strategy and strategy #3, “Provide effective and active support for the economic development and quality of life in the region and state.’ We continue to coordinate with Barry Klein to avoid duplication.
During the year, we have met to discuss how to document the current status of engagement efforts and the indicators of activities and achievement. We have also been in contact with numerous people with responsibilities for various aspects of outreach education and research, and engagement. The list includes: Dennis Pendleton-Dean of Extension; Peggy Shannon, Associate Vice Provost for University Outreach and Engagement; Jeffrey Weidner, Chair of the Academic Senate Committee on Public Service; Pam Stotlar-McAuliffe, Director of Medical Continuing Education. Finally, we convened the University Outreach Advisory Council which consists of representatives of all the schools, colleges and divisions to help define the key concepts and issues in pursuing the engagement goal and particularly strategy #1.
Advances and Ongoing Programs Consistent with Strategy:
- The University web page on Public Services and Engagement was redesigned to highlight the range and diversity of campus engagement programs, and activities and to organize them for easier access. The major categories include: K-12 Education; Health and Nutrition; Agriculture and Gardening; Veterinary Care; Business and Government; Consumer Issues; International Programs; Environment; and Community.
- Academic Senate Public Service Committee continues to publicize the faculty excellence in public service scholarship and engagement through its annual award and this year through its superb publication of award recipients. 2005 Award winners included: Patricia Gandara (for work to improve education for the children of California’s poorest communities); Randi Hagerman (for work in the neurodevelopmental areas of autism and fetal alcohol syndrome); Jeffrey Mount (for work contributing to the development of sound land use and river basin policy); and John Whitaker (for nearly 50 years of UCD work in food science and technology particularly in the service of developing nations).
- Approximately 60,000 adult professionals and learners were enrolled in more than 4,000 UC Davis Extension programs enhancing the capacity of the professional workforce in the region and state (http://universityextension.ucdavis.edu/).
- Cooperative Extension Specialists in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences continued to work with UC Cooperative Extension Advisors in nearly every county of California to assist local communities in enhancing the quality of life through a wide array of educational outreach programs (e.g. 4-H and youth development; expanded food and nutrition programs; extensive plant and animal agricultural programs; and environmental programs.)
- The School of Medicine’s Continuing Medical Education Program last year educated over 10,000 professionals through an extensive series of programs for physicians, nurses and other health professionals, more than doubling the total enrolled participants over a six-year period.
- The Medical Student-Run Community Clinics continued to serve the health care needs of the underserved populations in the Sacramento area often providing these populations their only access to health care. The clinics are run completely by student governing boards making UC Davis the only medical school with student-run clinics. Approximately 85% of UCD medical students volunteer at these clinics during their years in medical school.
- The School of Law conducted its 10th year of immigration law clinic’s naturalization workshops which provided direct legal representation to needy residents and helped immigrants become U.S. citizens. The school also continued three other clinics; family law and protection clinic; civil rights clinic and a prison law office.
- A new multi-year multi-million dollar Department of Social Services interagency agreement with UCDE’s Center for Human Services, supporting the state’s Child Welfare Services/Case Management System, addresses the educational needs of more than 19,000 state and county child welfare specialists.
- The College of Engineering and the Office of the Provost hosted the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition for the first time on campus, bringing 37 teams of high school students and their mentors from across the nation to UC Davis.
- The School of Education and the campus Educational Partnerships Steering Committee are exploring new means to more effectively serve northern California K-12 educators (e.g., through the use of online education for professional development).
- International engagement activities and programs in several colleges and schools continue to emerge and grow: e.g., CAES’s USAID Global Livestock Collaborative Support Program; Afghanistan horticulture research, and new research collaborations with Chinese Universities, the School of Medicine’s students volunteered for the summer in clinics in Leon, Nicaragua and their Parent-On-Line Continuing Medical Education course attracted participants from over 25 countries; and the School of Veterinary Medicine’s students worked with Central American women farmers on-site to improve their success in raising livestock.
Plans for 2006-06
The plans for 2005-06 include:
- Continue to collect and document the numerous faculty and staff activities in engagement
- Convene the University Outreach Advisory Council to review the report and continue to assess next steps
- Work with the Academic Senate Public Service Committee to increase awareness and understanding of the goal of engagement
- Explore plans to publish a newsletter to highlight the numerous campus engagement activities and accomplishments.
Evaluation of Metrics
The metrics appear to be more of a goal than actual indicators given the level of college and school databases in this area. We will continue to work with the deans and their representatives to refine these indicators of achievement.