Office of Entrepreneurial Learning
Fall 2015
The Centennial Commitment
(18 by ‘18)
Ball State University aspires to be the model of the
most student-centered and community-engaged of
the 21st century public research universities,
transforming entrepreneurial learners into
impactful leaders– committed to improving the
quality of life for all.
Entrepreneurial Learning
Definition
Entrepreneurial learning is a pedagogical
approach in which faculty mentors create highimpact, student-driven experiences that
encourage exploration, problem solving,
creativity, and risk-taking.
Entrepreneurial learning occurs when faculty provide a dynamic
space where knowing intersects with making and creative
experimentation, and students are encouraged to learn
through productive application of knowledge. Entrepreneurial
learning activities are tied specifically to a faculty mentor’s
desired learning outcomes for individual students and/or
collaborative groups.
Entrepreneurial Learning
Activities
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Immersive Learning
Undergraduate Research
Internships/Externships
Practicums, clinicals, student
teaching
Capstone classes
First year seminars
Learning communities
Study Abroad
Service Learning
Student Employment
On- and Off-campus
Volunteering
What is Immersive Learning?
These project-based opportunities pull together
interdisciplinary student teams that solve problems
with community partners. The result is a final
product that enhances the community with a lasting
impact.
Students have created marketing plans, websites,
documentaries, community programs, publications,
and much more.
Ways to Get Involved
• Virginia Ball Center for Creative Inquiry
• Interdisciplinary Special Projects
• Special courses set up to accommodate multiple
disciplines
• Funding may come from community partners, external
grants, Provost immersive learning grants
• In-class Projects
• Fits within existing curriculum
• Community partner needs overlap with student learning
objectives
• If funding is required, it may be available through
micro-grants
Ball State as Student-Centered
Will provide every
undergraduate student with
an immersive learning
opportunity by maintaining
a minimum of 4,200
students annually in
immersive learning projects.
How OEL Can Help
• Project planning
• Assistance identifying community partners and
internal collaborators
• Proposal development
• Identifying sources of funding
• Student recruitment/course enrollment options
• Information re: travel and purchasing procedures
• Assessment tools
• Assistance with research/presentation
opportunities
How OEL Can Help
In some cases, Immersive Learning staff can offer
intensive project management services such as:
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Contract development – external partners
Grant and budget management
Support for travel and purchasing
Technical support and equipment
Publicity/showcase opportunities
Student Professional
Development
• Professionalism
• Communication Skills
• Project Management
• Defining Roles
• Conflict Resolution
• Teambuilding Activities
• Market Your Experience
• Showcase Opportunities
Immersive Learning
Project Examples
Nature Play
Cold Case
Freedom Bus
Neighborhood Plans
Internal Funding
Provost Grants
• Offered twice during AY – next deadline
early next semester
• Funds higher ticket projects that typically
involve one or more departments across
colleges
• Typical range between $2,500 - $30,000
• Project must:
• Be primarily driven by undergrads
• Have highly involved community partner
• Clear student learning outcomes
Immersive Learning Advisory
Committee
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Jane Ellery (CAST)
Martha Hunt (CAP)
Bill Jenkins (CFA)
Fred Kitchens (MCOB)
Melinda Messineo (CSH)
Thalia Mulvihill (TC)
Suzy Smith (CCIM)
Jackie Buckrop (Office of the Provost)
Gary Pavlechko (Office of Educational Excellence)
Internal Funding
College Micro-Grants
• Typically for projects involving one or more
departments within a college
• Funds smaller projects that can use
additional supplies or travel to enhance
student learning outcomes
• Cost is typically below $2,000
• Each college determines award
parameters based on college needs and
objectives
President’s Fellows
• College of Sciences and Humanities (CSH)
Ron Morris and another faculty member TBA
• College of Communications, Information and Media (CCIM)
Kristen McCauliff
• College of Fine Arts (CFA)
Maura Jasper
• College of Architecture and Planning (CAP)
Pam Harwood
• College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST)
Hans Kellogg
• Miller College of Business (MCOB)
Russ Wahlers
• Teachers College (TC)
Ruth Jones
Contact Information
• Jennifer Blackmer, Associate Provost for Entrepreneurial
Learning – jsblackmer@bsu.edu
• Kelli Huth, Director of Immersive Learning –
kjhuth@bsu.edu
• Suzanne Plesha, Director of Faculty Support and
Assessment – splesha@bsu.edu
Questions?