In order for a course to achieve a Social Impact (SI) designation, it must meet the criteria listed below. Contact SI director Eric Ronis and the Registrar to receive an SI course designation.

Criteria for Social Impact Track designated sections of courses:

Required:

Student learning experiences are intentionally designed to highlight topics of social importance
At least one significant student project provides enough flexibility for the SI Scholar to be able to conduct social impact inquiry/investigation in their own particular area of interest
The section of the course clearly addresses AT LEAST ONE of the Learning Outcomes for Social Impact Scholars (listed below), preferably TWO (or even three)

Suggested rubric criteria for such a “significant student project” would be:

Take an informed position on contemporary social, political and/or profession-specific controversies, effectively articulate that position, and formulate a strategy to help address that issue
Explain some of the root causes for one or more social and/or professional “issues” (or injustices), ideally from a variety of disciplinary perspectives
Reflect, through writing and/or oral presentation, one’s own ethical reasoning process, and personal values around creating positive social impact

Learning Outcomes for Social Impact Scholars:

SI Scholars will be able to articulate their own position on a given issue/concern; there is no RIGHT position, except that it is informed and critically reflected upon from a variety of angles
SI Scholars will interrogate their chosen field of study (profession) and situate it within various social, political and institutional contexts
SI Scholars will be able to analyze knowledge (facts, theories) from their academic field/discipline and make relevant connections to civic engagement and to their own participation in civic life, politics, policy-making, social activism and/or government
SI Scholars will demonstrate the ability and the commitment to work actively within community contexts and structures (whether public or professional) to achieve a significant positive impact