Social Change

Review one or more samples from your own research of resources focused on portfolio development.
Post an explanation of at least two strategies for including academic activities and accomplishments into your professional development goals. Then, explain how those goals may align with the University’s emphasis on social change. Be specific and provide examples.
The University's emphasis on social change is:

Social Change
The University defines positive social change as a deliberate process of creating and applying ideas, strategies, and actions to promote the worth, dignity, and development of individuals, communities, organizations, institutions, cultures, and societies. Positive social change results in the improvement of human and social conditions.This definition of positive social change provides an intellectually comprehensive and socially constructive foundation for the programs, research, professional activities, and products created by the university academic community.In addition, the university supports positive social change through the development of principled, knowledgeable, and ethical scholar-practitioners, who are and will become civic and professional role models by advancing the betterment of society.

Full Answer Section

 
  1. Get involved in student organizations. Student organizations are a great way to network with other students, learn new skills, and get involved in your community. You can get involved in student organizations that are related to your academic interests, or you can get involved in organizations that are focused on social change. For example, you could join a student government organization, or you could join an organization that is working to address social justice issues.
Here are some examples of how these goals may align with the University's emphasis on social change:
  • Pursuing research opportunities: If you are interested in pursuing research opportunities, you could look for opportunities that are focused on social change. For example, you could apply for a research fellowship that is focused on addressing climate change, or you could volunteer to help with a research project that is focused on improving education in low-income communities.
  • Getting involved in student organizations: If you are interested in getting involved in student organizations, you could look for organizations that are focused on social change. For example, you could join a student government organization that is working to improve campus sustainability, or you could join an organization that is working to raise awareness about human rights issues.
By pursuing academic activities and accomplishments that are aligned with the University's emphasis on social change, you can make a difference in the world and you can also develop your skills and knowledge in your field. Here are some additional tips for including academic activities and accomplishments into professional development goals:
  • Be specific about your goals. What do you want to achieve? What skills do you want to develop?
  • Be realistic about your goals. What are you capable of achieving?
  • Set deadlines for yourself. This will help you to stay on track.
  • Track your progress. This will help you to see how you are doing and to make adjustments as needed.
  • Communicate your goals to others. This will help you to stay motivated and to get support from others.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of achieving your professional development goals.

Sample Answer

  Pursue research opportunities. Research is a great way to develop your skills and knowledge in your field, and it can also help you to make a difference in the world. You can pursue research opportunities through your university, or you can look for opportunities outside of your university. For example, you could apply for a research fellowship, or you could volunteer to help with a research project