Student Learning Outcome 1:
Ask and explore fundamental questions of vocation
Student Learning Outcome 2:
Integrate and make sense of those moments during their college experience when they felt called, purposeful, or inspired
Student Learning Outcome 3:
Demonstrate an understanding that vocational discernment is an ongoing process
Based on the evaluation of student essays, all student learning outcomes increase for each year of the program. This data suggests that exposure to the program has positively impacted student learning outcomes.
View the learning outcome rubric here.
SLO1 | SLO2 | SLO3 | |
1617 | 2.92 | 2.67 | 2.48 |
1718 | 3.00 | 2.71 | 2.48 |
1819 | 3.07 | 2.94 | 2.65 |
Students who participated in more Pathways to Purpose activities over the course of three years had higher rating averages on their AY1819 essays. Events may include Guidebook Activities, Sophomore Dinner, Courses, Retreats, Vocation Lunches, or other outreach activities.
The Pathways to Purpose Guidebook outlines four years of developmental vocational discernment and purpose exploration for students based upon best practices shared by students, staff, and faculty. All first year students are given a physical version of the Guidebook to use throughout their time at SHC, additionally an online Guidebook is available through Schoology, the college's Learning Management System.
The Guidebook provides an outline of the ways to get involved in Pathways to Purpose. Many of the in-person sign-ins of the Guidebook are also reflected in other Pathways to Purpose activities, such as the student retreats and the Sophomore Dinner.
Erianna Roy '19 was the first student to earn a graduation stole for her completion of the Guidebook. Erianna also served as a Pathways to Purpose student ambassador during the 2018-2019 academic year.
The Sophomore Dinner is an opportunity for students to enjoy a formal dinner with the faculty and staff who made a positive impact on their first year at Spring Hill College. Students are re-introduced to vocation and are encouraged to continue their purpose exploration through their Sophomore Year.
Following attendance at the Sophomore Dinner, students were asked to what extent the event gave them the opportunity to engage in the Student Learning Outcomes.
Vocational Discernment (VOC DSCRN) Courses are offered across disciplines and are taught by any faculty member who wishes to include questions or activities about vocation with their content area courses.
All divisions offered at least one VOC DSCRN course during the 18-19 academic year. Course offerings are dependent on the faculty who teach the VOC DSCRN courses.
The more VOC DSCRN courses a student completed at some point during the last 3 years, the higher their rubric ratings.
Student Attendees
Sophomore and Junior students take part in an overnight retreat on the beach to dive deeply into conversations about self-identity, values, and their place in the world. Retreat attendees have the opportunity to discuss questions of meaning and purpose with volunteer faculty and staff members at this intimate event.
--Spring 2019 Participant
Students who attended the retreat (n=9) at some point during their time at Spring Hill College had higher rubric ratings than those students who never attend at Pathways to Purpose retreat (n=147).
Student Attendees
Faculty/Staff Attendees
Courses Visited
Students Reached
Student Leaders Trained
REACH Workshop Participants
7
Faculty Attendees7
Staff AttendeesThe Faculty/Staff Retreat is an opportuntiy for faculty and staff from across campus to come together to discuss vocation, discernment, and meaning-making. Attendees are asked to dive into their own vocational discernment and discuss the numerous facets of what makes a meaningful life. At the end of the retreat, faculty and staff consider how their experience at the retreat might be shared when they return to campus, both with colleagues and with students.
Six faculty were awarded with course development stipends in fall 2018 to attend a workshop to develop a new course, or rework an existing course, that would focus, at least partially, on vocational discernment. These courses would have a content area related to the faculty's expertise, but also insert at least 2 activities that would help students as they discern their ideas about vocation.
EDU131
Lori AultmanPHL395c
Chris DodsworthMTH220
Jonathan DunbarPSY330
Jamie Franco-ZamudioENG285c
Jeff StoyanoffENG241
Leigh Ann LitwillerHuntingdon College Visit. In February 2019 Stephanie visited Huntingdon College in Montgomery, AL to share insights and information about the Pathways to Purpose program. Huntington College is in the process of submitting a QEP on vocation and was looking to Spring Hill College's program as a model.
SAS 320: Leading a Purposeful Life. For the first time Pathways to Purpose taught a 1-credit course aimed at seniors. The course focused on vocational discussions and preparation for life after college. The course, which is offered in the spring, will continue to be offered and taught by Stephanie.
NetVUE Conference. In March 2019 both directors traveled to Louisville, KY to attend the National NetVUE Conference. Stephanie, along with three other colleagues from other institutions, presented a session on Interactive Vocational Discernment. Dr. Bosko-Dunbar took part in a faculty panel presentation.