Internships, mentored research, and study abroad are at the heart of the engaged student learning mission at ABAC. In support of these opportunities we have implemented the STudent Engagement ProgramS (STEPS), through this program, we also offer workshops, information sessions, scholarships, and an annual STEPS Symposium.
STEPS
ABOUT STEPS
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About STEPS
Engaged learning opportunities play a key role in a student’s educational experience at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College as we work to fulfill our mission “To engage, teach, coach, mentor, and provide relevant experiences that prepare the Graduate for life.” ABAC’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), STudent Engagement ProgramS (STEPS), will assist the College in achieving its mission and in implementing its strategic plan, Destination ABAC, by focusing on the development and enhancement of engaged learning opportunities. The Engaged Learning opportunities that are the focus of the STEPS program are internships, mentored research, and study abroad. Through participation in these engaged learning opportunities, students will develop knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to career and post-graduate success. Students will develop problem-solving skills, verbal and written communication skills, and demonstrate their ability to apply what they have learned in the classroom in a real-world setting. The STEPS student learning outcomes are:
- Students will demonstrate the skills, abilities, theories, or methodologies applied in new situations to solve problems or explore issues. (Problem-Solving Skills)
- Students will communicate discipline content using conventions appropriate to a specific audience and purpose. (Verbal and Written Communication Skills)
- Students will synthesize disciplinary knowledge applied in new, complex situations. (Application of Knowledge)
The goals of STEPS are the following:
- STEPS will provide adequate resources, tools, support, and guidance to its students and faculty to facilitate engaged learning experiences;
- STEPS will increase the number of students doing internships, completing mentored research projects, and studying abroad.
Internships
What is an internship? Experiences that allow theory and practice to work together to support student learning. During an internship, students have the opportunity to apply knowledge learned in the classroom in a real-world context. The internship experience can help students better understand the nature of the career paths they have chosen, and serve to launch students’ careers and expand professional networks.
Mentored Research
ABAC students have opportunities to conduct mentored research with faculty in conjunction with our bachelor’s degree programs.
Mentored Research is an inquiry or investigation conducted by undergraduate students under the guidance of an expert that makes an intellectual or creative contribution to the discipline.
Some research projects will need to be reviewed by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) or the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) to ensure compliance with federal regulations.
All persons conducting research involving human subjects should visit the ABAC IRB page for more information on which projects will require approval.
All persons conducting research on non-human vertebrates should visit the ABAC IACUC page for more information on which projects will require approval.
Study Abroad
Studying abroad is a great opportunity to grow academically, socially, and culturally. Through experiencing different cultures and seeing new and exciting parts of the world, our students have gained new perspectives and global awareness. Recent ABAC students have taken part in courses designed to be closely aligned with their program of study in Argentina, Belize, France, England, Ireland, Italy and Norway. Information on upcoming trips can be found below, but if you have general questions about study abroad, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Darby Sewell dsewell@abac.edu or 229.391.4810.
STEPS Student Engagement Scholarship
Through ABAC’s STEPS Program, students have opportunities to learn by participating in internships, mentored research activities, and study abroad. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide assistance to students who are involved in these types of engaged learning experiences. Applications are due on the first of each month, with notification to be made at the end of that month.
Related Links
Contact Information
Phone
229.391.4810Tift Hall
ABAC 9, 2802 Moore Hwy, Tifton, GA 31793