Document Type
Report
Publication Date
2024
Program Level
Capstone
Abstract
Since 1995, Portland State University has offered students the opportunity to engage in the community as the culmination of their general education experience through Capstones, community-engaged courses, each of which has a community partner. For several years after the beginning of the program, community partners were asked for their feedback. However, over time, response rates declined and the collaborating office was reorganized, so the practice was discontinued. During Winter 2024, University Studies (UNST) implemented a revised survey to seek feedback from current partners. Thirty-six respondents from twenty-five community partners (representing approximately 75 Capstones and thus half of UNST 421 Capstones) responded to the survey and overwhelmingly reported that the Capstone courses met or exceeded expectations. Partners experienced Capstone courses as contributing human resources to provide essential services to their clients, increasing their capacity to address their mission and bringing new energy and insights to their organization. They consistently articulated how our students’ work addressed equity and social justice in the community and saw us as allies in this important work. The primary challenge reported by partners was the amount of time they needed to spend preparing and supervising our students. Recommendations include considering ways to financially acknowledge the labor of our community partners as co-educators and continuing to support the UNST Capstone Program as a high impact practice that aligns with PSU’s long held commitment to community engagement.
Citation Details
Carpenter, Rowanna L. and Kerrigan, Seanna, "University Studies Capstone Community Partner Feedback Spring 2024" (2024). University Studies Assessment Research. 46.
