Criterion 5- Service

Introduction

The proverb “many hands make light work” by John Heywood (1972), immediately comes to mind when I think of service. We need to do so much work as a community, a system, a university, a college, and a department to meet the needs of the current and future MSU Mankato students. Unless we all contribute to this effort, it is unreasonable to believe that much can be accomplished.  

My service over the last four years was influenced by the pandemic, civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd, and my life experience with a family medical issue. A complete list of service can be found in my CV. Highlights of the areas I am most proud of are described below. My goal is to be active in my Department, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the University, at the System level, and in the community.

Service to the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS)

College Representative, IFO Faculty Association, MSU Mankato

In FY2023, I was elected to serve as one of two college representatives to the Faculty Association and its Executive Committee. I regularly met with department chairs, the Dean, and Interim Associate Dean of the CHSS, bringing attention to issues of faculty importance. I also served in a communication role with faculty across the College on the work of the Faculty Association, the IFO contract, and information from Academic Affairs. 

Research, Teaching & Student Success Committee

Between 2020 and 2021, I served as a member and the Chair of the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences Research, Teaching & Student Success Committee, that is charged with vetting lecturers for the annual Frontier Forum. I am most proud of that year's adaptation to the COVID-19 gathering limitations, resulting in the expansion to a virtual Frontier Forum. 

Service to the University

IFO FA Executive Committee/University Extended Education Committee (UEE)

I was elected UEE Co-Chair in FY2021. Working collaboratively with Interim Associate Vice President Teri Wallace, the committee re-examined its charge and priorities. The committee worked to speed up the transfer evaluation process for prospective and new MSU students. We also addressed the tuition for online programs versus banded tuition and the accompanying financial model. As the FA Chair, I was responsible for committee updates with the IFO (Inter-Faculty Organization) and the FA Executive Committee and attended meet and confer monthly.

IFO FA Secretary

In 2023, I was elected Secretary of the Faculty Association, and I still serve on its Executive Committee. Together, in consultation with University Administration, I support our shared governance as we navigate challenging financial realities and embrace new opportunities for innovation and positive change.

Faculty Association Representative- Hy-Flex Workgroup

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the University increased the flexibility of modalities in delivering courses. Following the return to campus, the IFO contract established language to help shape policies and procedures on each campus. I represent the College of Humanities and Social Sciences on the MSU Mankato Workgroup. Beginning fall semester 2024, we developed and shared an initial proposal for Hy-Flex course designation with Academic Affairs and the FA Executive Committee. 

Service to the Minnesota State System

C-PLAN (Credit for Prior Learning)

The Minnesota State Credit for Prior Learning Assessment Network is an alliance of colleges and universities in the System that works to increase opportunities for learners to earn higher education credits through prior learning experiences (e.g., advanced placement testing, test outs, portfolio assessment, CLEP tests, etc.). MSU Mankato joined the network in spring 2020, and I agreed to represent the University on the Network’s advisory committee. As detailed in the letter of support from CPLAN Director Dr. Mary Beth Lakin, I have taken an active leadership role in the group, helping to align credit for prior learning (CPL) policy and procedures to facilitate seamless transfer for students moving from 2-year to 4-year institutions. My sabbatical work was supported by membership in the group as I developed documents, processes, and internal assessment materials for the Applied Leadership Program that could be replicated in other disciplines (see Criterion 4). 

Minnesota State System PSEO Workgroup & Concurrent Credentialing Workgroup

I have been a member of this System-wide Workgroup as an IFO faculty representative since 2019. Our final policy recommendation was delivered to the Board of Trustees in 2024. The anticipated impact is increased access to post-secondary education statewide and greater diversity in underrepresented high school student participation. 

With the above recommendation and work, members of this group were asked to participate in the review of the requirements for high school faculty to teach concurrent courses. These courses have been essential to increasing undergraduate course enrollment at MinnState Colleges and Universities, including MSU Mankato. Moreover, the credentialing requirements for high school teachers can also increase enrollment in the University's graduate programs due to the requirement that teachers have earned a minimum of 18 credits to teach concurrent courses. As a member of the Sociology and Leadership Studies Department I have an opportunity to contribute to the success of our graduate programs in Sociology.