More than 200 first-year students from both campuses presented their academic and creative work at the third annual Academic Extravaganza: Learning Communities Showcase & Celebration Nov. 17. 

 

“Numerous students won awards for their poster presentations, original works of art, video productions and skits," said Cathy Bradford, director of Learning Communities (LC) and event organizer. "Also, we were able to recognize publicly and thank Learning Communities faculty for their hard work throughout the semester." 

 

Student presentations were judged in the following categories related to LC learning outcomes: integrative learning, campus and community connections, and problem-solving. Serving on the 2015 judging panel was Valerie Whittlesey, associate vice president for Curriculum, Jon Preston, and faculty executive assistant to the president, Julie Newell, faculty special assistant to the Provost, and Stephanie Foote, director, Master of Science in First-Year Studies and CETL Faculty Fellow for High Impact Practices.

 

The following students were recognized for outstanding presentations:

 

• Students in Architecture Majors LCs #48, 49, 50, 51, 52 and 53 for the "Eyes, Mind, Hands" presentation (Judges’ Choice Award)

• Students in Creative Souls Unite LCs #22 and 23 for the "Walking Clothesline" presentation (Integrative Learning Award)

• Students in Thrive: Hunger Games LCs #44 and 45 for the presentations "Inside the Box" and "It Is How You Look at It" (Problem-solving Award)

• Students in Girl Talk Learning Community #31 for the presentations on women in India (Global Learning Award; Judges’ Choice Award)