Monday Morning Update

May 11, 2009

Experiential Learning: At Stonehill today, faculty members place an increased focus on engaged learning. As a result, our students have more power over what they learn and they are encouraged to explore classroom questions in ways that prepare them to be creative, effective problem-solvers in their professional and civic lives.

Experiential Examples: In one Learning Community, Professors John Lanci (Religious Studies) and Anna Lännström (Philosophy) asked their students to be problem-solvers, creating concrete, practical solutions for making Stonehill a better college. In another initiative, Fine Arts Professors Carole Calo and Candice Smith Corby challenged students to curate a fine arts exhibit in the Cushing-Martin Gallery. In yet another example, Business Professor John Schatzel used an interactive multimedia simulation so students gain virtual experience in auditing internal controls at a company.

Beyond the Classroom: The above examples are all from this year's Stonehill Faculty Focus (SFF), which explores Learning Beyond the Classroom: Knowledge and its Uses. The new SFF also reviews the academic year, highlighting faculty publications, exhibits, performances, conferences, grants, and presentations. For a free copy of the 26-page publication, launched at the Faculty Appreciation Dinner on Friday, call Martin McGovern at 508-565-1070 or email mmcgovern@stonehill.edu.

Environmental Journey: Here's another example of learning beyond the classroom. Two years ago, Elyse Moreau '10 knew nothing about the environment. Today, she is not only well-informed, but also active on behalf of the environment. One source of her transformation was the LC Ecology and Ethics in Action, in which she explored the restoration of the Everglades. After that experience with Biology Professors Sue Mooney '82 and Greg Maniero, she took a directed study with Professor Peter Beisheim (Religious Studies) that allowed her to study in depth the issues surrounding industrial farming. For more about Moreau's environmental journey, visit here.

Summer Courses: Want to learn about Nutrition & Wellness, understand Biomedical Ethics, or improve your Spanish? Starting May 18, the College is offering 31 summer courses in 16 disciplines. The courses are available in one, five, and seven-week formats. For course descriptions & registration info, call the Registrar's Office at 508-565-1315 or visit here.

Congratulations: Our women's rugby team had an outstanding first season in Division II. The team ended the year as the national runner-up, going 13-1 in the highly-competitive division. The team fell to defending champion Shippensburg in the championship game after earning a come-from-behind win over Delaware in the semifinals at last weekend's national final four in California.