Academic Opportunities and Initiatives

University Academic Initiatives consist of six university-wide academic services and programs aimed at ensuring the academic success of all students.

The goal of these initiatives is to achieve greater rates of student persistence, higher levels of student learning, more effective use of existing resources and more information for students and advisers.

Academic Research

Faculty in nearly every university department participate in scholarly activities including original research and creative endeavors, and student participation is often an integral part of such activities.

Students who participate with faculty in creative activities and research experience are often set apart from others in the job market and application to graduate school.

The university supports these activities by providing academic credit, space and monetary support for materials, logistics and travel to conferences through a variety of funding sources.

Successful faculty and students regularly attend regional and national conferences.

American Democracy Project at ESU

The American Democracy Project at ESU is part of a national multi-campus initiative that seeks to create an intellectual and experimental understanding of civic engagement for students enrolled at institutions that are members of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).

The goal of this non-partisan project is to produce graduates who understand and are committed to engaging in meaningful actions as citizens in a democratic republic.

East Stroudsburg University has been an active participant in this initiative since 2003.

Operating with support from the Office of the Provost, ADP at ESU supports and creates opportunities for student and faculty participation in the development of a campus-wide culture of democratic dispositions and practices.

ADP, often in conjunction with other campus and community partners including The   New   York   Times , organizes and sponsors activities as voter registration drives, as well as such civic education events as Constitution Day celebrations in September of each year, debates and forums on important civic issues, surveys of campus attitudes and mock legislative events.

For   more   information   about   the   ADP   at   ESU   contact   the   campus   co-coordinator   Dr.   Adam   McGlynn   at   amcglynn@esu.edu  or   co-coordinator   Dr.   Christopher   Brooks   in   the   Department   of   History   at   cbrooks@esu.edu.

Service Learning

The Service Learning initiative seeks to expand opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in meeting the social needs of the community in a broader quest for the common good.

This is accomplished through an experiential approach to teaching and learning that can be implemented in courses within a variety of academic disciplines that incorporate leadership development, civic literacy, or the development of critical thinking as it relates to society.

Service Learning, whether through short- or long-term service projects, affords students the opportunity to integrate theory into practice, apply practical skills, and raise awareness about community issues.

Through real-life experience, Service Learning recognizes the reciprocal relationship between the campus and those being served, thereby encouraging students to embrace their role as vested community members while helping the community see the promise in ESU students.

Summer Seminar for Outstanding Sophomore Students

Students beginning or early in their sophomore year compete for the opportunity to participate in special late summer one-credit special topics seminars.

The one-week seminar includes the conduct of independent, innovative projects as well as two special events that often involve travel, and mentor training.

There is no cost to the selected students. Subsequent to the seminar, students serve as mentors to six entering freshmen during the fall semester.

Extended Learning

The extended learning program is designed to meet the academic needs of society by extending undergraduate and graduate programs to student populations who would otherwise not have access to ESU. Offerings are primarily scheduled at times and locations convenient for working adults. This includes accelerated sessions offered during the evening and on weekends, on- and off- campus at locations including Bethlehem and Philadelphia.

For   further   information,   contact   the   Office   of   Extended   Learning   at   570-422-2859   or visit esu.edu/extendedlearning.

Internship Opportunities

Internships are available to students in most majors; academic credit may be awarded for the internship experience. Information regarding specific opportunities may be obtained by contacting department chairs or the deans of the College of Arts and Sciences; College of

National Honor Societies

Additional   information   on   Academic   Regulations   is   available   in   the   Student   Handbook.