Holistic Student Development:Senior Legacy Symposium

at Saint Louis University

Shelley Sawalich, Ph.D.Director, Academic Support

Amanda LutjenCoordinator, Undergraduate Initiatives

Five Dimensions of the SLU experience Scholarship & Knowledge

By developing a well-rounded educational foundation which incorporates learning through experience, by becoming scholars in their chosen fields, and by dedicating themselves to the advancement of knowledge, students are prepared for advanced study, for their careers, and for lifelong learning.

Intellectual Inquiry & CommunicationBy developing the abilities of intellectual inquiry and communication, students are able to learn effectively, express ideas and concepts clearly, and apply their knowledge to new situations they encounter.

Community BuildingBy welcoming and working with others, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or gender, students build an inclusive community which leads to respect and compassion for human life and the dignity of each person.

Leadership & ServiceBy serving others and by promoting social justice, students become men and women for others who lead by their example.

Spirituality & ValuesBy developing their spirituality, values and openness to the transcendent, students determine principles to guide their actions and their relationships with others.

Transition Programs at SLUFirst-Year Experience

◦ SLU 101 Summer Orientation◦ Welcome Week◦ Learning Communities◦ First-Year Summer Reading◦ University 101 course

Sophomore/Junior-Year Experience◦ Welcome Back Week◦ Jesuit Events◦ Last Lecture Series◦ Internships & Job Shadowing

Transition Programs at SLUSenior-Year Experience

Senior educational events Smart Investing, 401K, & paying back

student loans

Senior celebration events Senior Night at a Billiken Men’s Basketball

Game Senior Night at a Cardinals Game

Senior reflection events Senior Legacy Symposium Senior Reception with the Jesuits

Learning outcomes Students will demonstrate

application of their experiences to other settings (i.e. employers, graduate school, community)

Students will feel a sense of belonging with the University community (faculty, staff and students)

Various others could be addressed by students dependent on Symposium project

Senior Legacy Symposium• Provides seniors with an opportunity to reflect on a specific experience/project in relation to the Five Dimensions of the SLU Experience

• Provides a venue for professional presentation preparation and communication for seniors

• Provides a showcase opportunity for student academic achievements to celebrate accomplishments

• Provides an opportunity for seniors to ‘leave behind’ a major contribution to their field of study or to the University

• Provides an awareness of academic possibilities and contributions for the University community, including first-year through junior students

• Provides a community-building opportunity for students, faculty, staff, and alumni

Senior Legacy SymposiumSenior Legacy Symposium Video

History of the Program◦Who?◦Why?◦When?◦How?

Planning DetailsTimeline (event in late April)Expectations

◦Timelines◦Format

Certificates and Awards◦Judging vs. non-judging

Other Planning ConsiderationsDepartmental SupportFaculty involvementSpacePromotional items and signageSpecial presentation needsAwardsCommunication challenges

AssessmentReflection based assessmentPre-event reflection questions

◦ How have your experiences at SLU led you to choose your topic?

◦ Has working on this projected affected your confidence in your chosen career?

Post-event reflection questions◦ Did anyone challenge your conclusions?

How did you handle these challenges?◦ How competent do you feel in your ability

to conduct future research?

Pre-event Assessment FindingsThe Preparation Survey was sent to 134

students and 61 students chose to fully participate.

Students selected topics for both academic and personal interest reasons.

80% of participants expressed increased confidence in their selected career field.

77% feel more connected to the campus community

98% of participants said they have strengthened their critical thinking skills

77% of participants felt that their project helped them examine their values.

Post-event Assessment Findings The Reflection Survey was sent to 134 students

and 47 students chose to fully participate

87% of participants felt more confident to conduct research

83% of participants learned how to vary their communication style based on the audience

94% of participants felt the experience assisted in providing closure to the SLU experience

79% of participants reported that the project had an effect on their values and beliefs

77% of participants have changed their perspective on their research from when they first began

Questions & Discussion