Exploring America Application
One goal of the Washburn Transformational Experience (WTE) is to provide
students with an experience that transforms them in ways that cannot be
accomplished in the classroom. It can be argued that transformational
experiences not only transcend the traditional classroom, but also the boundaries
of the institution.
A second goal of the WTE program is “to graduate students … who make a
difference in society.” To make a difference in society, an individual must be
knowledgeable of the diversity and depth of that society. For that reason, it may
be necessary for an individual to go beyond one’s comfort zone. To travel to a
destination where the people are vastly different than those one is most familiar
with.
Students who complete an International Education WTE have the opportunity to
be “exposed to the richness of history and culture beyond our shores.” What our
students may not truly realize is that there is an amazing richness and culture
that exists within our shores. Our students should be provided with the
opportunity to explore the richness of history and culture that is a part of and
that defines the United States.
The purpose of the Exploring America option within the Scholarly or Creative
WTE is to provide faculty and students with an opportunity to do something that
is scholarly and/or creative and that cannot be conducted within the classroom
or within the bounds of the Washburn University campus. Proposals should be
in accordance with the vision, mission, and core values of Washburn University
(see section V).
Please read this entire document and completely and thoroughly answer
each item. Incomplete or poorly prepared applications will not be funded.
Proposals must be typed. Hand-written applications will not be accepted.
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I. Faculty Information
Name(s) of faculty instructor(s):
Department(s):
WU email address(es):
II. Course Information (enter “na” if not applicable)
Course designation & number (e.g., PY 395):
Credit hours:
Course title:
III. WTE Requirements
Every student completing a WTE must complete the final assessment report. As
the faculty instructor, I promise to make sure that every student who receives
WTE funding will complete the final assessment report and completion form
PRIOR to the submission of final course grades.
NO
YES
Students completing a WTE are required to give a public presentation relating to
their WTE. As the faculty instructor, I promise that every student who receives
WTE funding will give a public presentation about his/her experience no later
than the end of the semester following the Exploring America course.
NO
YES
The two (2) previously mentioned requirements of the WTE are presented in a
noteworthy manner within the course syllabus.
NO
YES
The WTE is a program for Washburn University baccalaureate degree-seeking
undergraduates. With the exception of money for posters, students may receive
WTE funding only once. As the faculty instructor, I promise to make sure that
WTE funds will ONLY be used to cover the expenses of eligible students.
NO
YES
IMPORTANT: Violation of any item in this section will negatively impact the awarding
of future grant funds.
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IV. Course Information & WTE Activity Plan
This section is an attempt to save you and your students some time. The information you
provide below will be used to create a WTE Activity Plan template. Students will now be
able to complete the Activity Plan in a matter of seconds and with minimal effort on your
part.
1.
WTE Title:
(The title you provide here will appear, EXACTLY as you type it,
online and on the student’s transcript. Check for typos. No symbols
please. Make it impressive!)
2.
Please provide a concise description of the activities that will be
associated with your course (500 words).
3.
Please provide a concise description of the goals and objectives
associated with your course (500 words).
4.
Please provide a concise timeline relating to your course’s objectives
(500 words).
5.
Please provide a concise description of how your course will be
transformational to participants (500 words).
6.
Please provide a concise description of the educational values
associated with your course (500 words).
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V. Exploring America & Washburn University
All Exploring America WTE proposals must be in accordance with the vision, mission,
and core value #6 of Washburn University.
I.
Washburn University Vision statement: “Washburn University is
dedicated to being a premier Midwest regional institution recognized
as a leader in providing a superior student-centered, teaching-focused
learning experience, preparing graduates for success in their chosen
profession and stimulating economic vitality.”
I, the faculty instructor, strongly believe that this Exploring
America proposal is student-centered and clearly focuses on
student learning and enrichment.
True
False
II.
Washburn University Mission statement: “Washburn University
enriches the lives of students by providing opportunities for them to
develop and to realize their intellectual, academic, and professional
potential, leading to becoming productive and responsible citizens. We
are committed to excellence in teaching, scholarly work, quality
academic and professional programs, and high levels of facultystudent interaction. We develop and engage in relationships to
enhance educational experiences and our community.”
I, the faculty instructor, strongly believe that this Exploring
America proposal is in accordance with our mission statement.
True
False
III.
Washburn University Core value #6: “Innovation: encouraging,
considering, and supporting development of ideas by fostering
individual ingenuity and creativity and creating an environment with
opportunities for growth and change.” “Discovering America” is a
program that provides faculty from all disciplines an opportunity to
develop new courses whose primary focus will be to stimulate the
minds of students. Such an opportunity also provides an avenue for
faculty to create and teach interdisciplinary courses.
I, the faculty instructor, strongly believe that this “Exploring
America” proposal reflects a new course whose primary focus will
be to stimulate the minds of our students and/or provide a novel
course that cuts across disciplines.
True
False
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VI. Course Information & Expenses
IMPORTANT: Funding is limited to a maximum of ten (10) students and not to exceed
$1,000 per eligible student.
Estimated course enrollment:
Destination(s) (city/state):
Duration of Travel:
Date of departure:
Date of return:
Faculty instructor(s) expenses (if any): $
The faculty instructor’s costs are expected to be shared by students after
the initial year of program.
Tuition & fees: $
Lodging (per night including taxes): $
Airfare (including any fees): $
Local Transportation: $
(54 cents per mile)
Total Food Expense: $
Books: $
Sightseeing Trips: $
Clearly specify any additional expected expenses and associated costs (e.g.,
additional insurance expense over 30 days and/or traveler insurance):
The estimated total cost per student reported below MUST be the sum of the
costs provided above.
ESTIMATED TOTAL COST PER STUDENT $
(NUMERICAL RESPONSES ONLY)
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VII. Department Chair (for faculty within the College of Arts &
Sciences) or Dean (for faculty within the School of Applied Studies,
the School of Business, or the School of Nursing) approval .
My Department Chair/Dean is aware of and fully approves and endorses
this proposed Exploring America course.
Yes
No
NOTE: Exploring America courses not reviewed, approved, or
endorsed by the Department Chair/Dean may not be eligible for
funding.
VIII. To determine the educational value of the course/program
(which in turn will be used to determine per student award amount),
you must submit the course/program syllabus along with the
completed application.
I will submit a syllabus along with the completed application.
NOTE: Applications will not be reviewed until a syllabus has been
received.
I will submit a daily itinerary along with the completed application.
NOTE: Applications will not be reviewed until a daily itinerary has
been received.
When ready for review, please email the following
 completed application,
 syllabus, &
 daily itinerary
to Dr. Mike Russell, Scholarly or Creative WTE Area Director at
mike.russell@washburn.edu