CBR Seminar

Contents

What is It?

The CBR Seminar of the Public Service Research Program (PSRP) is for any undergraduate student in any major who would like to connect public service with their academic work/research interests through a research thesis or independent study project. The year-long program is intended to support students in developing a community-based research (CBR) thesis that meets high standards of academic rigor and makes the results of the thesis/project useful to a specific community or organization, or available for public interest. The students, faculty, and staff who are involved will form an interdisciplinary learning community that provides support and diverse perspectives, while sharing the common goal of conducting outstanding academic research and exploring ways to provide something of value to the community. Students in this program will choose from a list of current community partner research needs or design a CBR thesis project of their own in collaboration with a community partner. Each PSRP participant may apply for up to $500 via the Office of Student Research to support their research endeavors, up to $300 for travel to present the results of the research, and special scholarship money.

CBR is one way for students to build upon service experience and interest in social issues by providing a different form of public service. CBR is research that is conducted with and for, not on, members of a community. When thoughtfully designed, CBR not only provides needed data for community organizations, but may serve as the basis for honors theses, class projects, and other academic assignments.

The development of a CBR project requires collaboration with the community organization to determine needs for data and how the organization will be involved in the project. The development of a project that will meet the requirements of an academic course or department involves discussion with one or more faculty members in appropriate disciplines, as well as an examination of the scholarly literature around the questions to be examined. Further, for a student to engage in CBR in an ethical way requires appropriate training in research method(s) and protocols.

What will I Do?

Up to 12 students per year will be admitted to participate in two seminar courses (2 credits in the fall and 1 credit in the spring), while also receiving up to 3 credits through their academic department for their work (via honors thesis or independent study credit).

Through readings in literature, philosophy, and social science, discussion, and guest speakers in a 2 hour weekly seminar, students will explore ideas such as the role of the university and research in social change, the nature of social issues and the influence of academic scholarship, public scholarship and the nature of the human condition. These discussions will provide the larger framework and context for conducting research as a form of public service.

The program will provide opportunities for students to share their writing in small groups, solve problems collaboratively, and critique thesis plans, conceptual frameworks, and methodologies. This scholarly community approach will also provide the structure and accountability necessary for the successful completion of each participant's thesis or independent study.

Each student will develop a public service plan by identifying audiences or constituents who might be interested in or benefit from their thesis research. Through this process, participants are challenged to make the link between scholarly research and the public good. Participants will be asked to present their work during ASU's Research Day. This presentation provides an opportunity to celebrate the results of their year-long work.

You will also need to meet the following requirements:
  • Department/program approval for participation in thesis (or independent study).
  • Weekly attendance at seminar and fulfillment of outside assignments (e.g., readings, reflections).
  • Full attendance and participation in fall retreat (date TBA).
  • Commitment to the PSRP community to participate fully and provide support and feedback to others in the group.
  • Work with faculty thesis advisor to ensure thesis meets all requirements of academic department or program.
  • Develop a public service plan to make connections between thesis research and community/constituency needs and/or the public good.
  • Presentation of research and the public service implications/applications during ASU's Research Day in April 2008, and one other external conference.

What will I Gain?

  • A better understanding of how research is conducted and used for policy change,
  • A supportive group of fellow students to help you through your thesis or independent study,
  • The chance to apply for special scholarship money,
  • Assistance with every stage of this process, from applying to grants to completing paperwork for a thesis,
  • The satisfaction of knowing your research has made a real difference in the lives of people in this community,
  • Some new friends and connections locally,
  • and Finally, an experience that will serve you well in your future, whether you plan to go on to graduate school or just live among other people in a community.

How do I Apply/Register?

Simple -- just download and complete an application, or pick one up from Dr. Clark's office (134 Walker Hall) or the ACT office (Plemmons Student Union) or the Honors Department (East Hall). Applications are due April 15th. If you have questions prior to this time, please contact Dr. Norm Clark at 262-6531 or clarkne@appstate.edu.

You won't need to register for this course. Once you've been accepted into the program, the Honors Program staff will add you into the course. At that point, Dr. Clark will email everyone to arrange a class meeting day/time that works with everyone's schedules. Typically we well meet once a week for 75 minutes in the fall and spring semesters.

Current & Past Participants/Projects

2008-2009
  • Kristin Buchner (Biology)
  • Audrey Green (Sustainable Development)

  • Marianne Rupp (Sustainable Development)

2007-2008
  • Kasmira Adkins (Biology): Assessing Local vs. Shipped Produce Nutrients
  • Julia Fondren (Psychology): Determining Counseling Needs of Post-Abortion Students

  • Doris Kroiss (Psychology): Improving Adolescent Girls' Decision-Making

2006-2007
  • Kara Brown (Psychology): The Cost of Homelessness Executive Summary

  • Amanda Koontz (Sociology): Promoting Fine and Academic Arts
  • Jason Radford (Philosophy): Where are the Men in Service? Executive Summary

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