The University of Dubuque Receives NetVUE Grant to Strengthen Vocational Exploration in the General Education Curriculum

DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque received a $60,000, two-year Program Development Grant from the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) to strengthen vocational exploration in the general education curriculum. The grant's purpose, through collaboration with faculty in creating unified, consistent course modules in World View Seminar II, will deepen students' understanding of vocation, character, purpose, and service.

"Receiving this very generous NetVUE grant will enable the University of Dubuque to lean into our mission, specifically in the areas of vocation and service learning," said Debra Stork, PhD, interim vice president for academic affairs. "This allows us to deepen our World View program more fully in two ways. One, to engage our undergraduate students in meaningful exploration and dialog around the topic of vocation. The grant will also enable UD to expand service-learning experiences to students through the development of curriculum and relationships with community partners. We are thrilled to have this opportunity to make the University of Dubuque's Mission experiential for our students."

World View Seminar I and World View Seminar II incorporate units and learning outcomes focused on vocation and character. Required in students' first semester, World View Seminar I explores an inward-looking understanding of vocation, character, and purpose. It uses a common syllabus with consistent course modules and provides faculty with in-depth support and resources. World View Seminar II turns outward and focuses on engaging in service that contributes to the welfare of communities and individuals; helps students reflect on the ideas of self, society, and what it means to be a global citizen; analyzes how faith and values inform responses to global issues; and synthesizes the concepts of a life of purpose, vocation, and needs of the world.

"World View Seminar I is in a really healthy space right now with a strong curriculum and faculty support," said Anne Funke, EdD, director of World View Studies. "World View Seminar II would benefit from a similar structure and support system to build upon the foundational work of World View Seminar I and to provide a deeper engagement and application of concepts of vocation, character, and purpose as students turn outward toward consistent civic engagement and service."

Through the Program Development Grant, Funke will formulate content modules and build community partnerships for service opportunities through the use of a faculty advisory committee, faculty focus groups, and online professional development resources. The grant will also enhance and expand vocational exploration in World View Seminar II, reaching first-year students regardless of majors.

"If we do service without any reflection as to why it matters, then it really is just a check mark," Funke said. "I think students need to learn about why the problem exists in the community and what realistic solutions could help combat the problem. There is opportunity to make the service engagement of World View Seminar II a more meaningful learning experience for students."

NetVUE is a nationwide network of 300 colleges and universities formed to support and enrich vocational exploration and discernment among undergraduate students. A program of the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), NetVUE is supported by the generosity of Lilly Endowment Inc. and member dues. CIC administers NetVUE with guidance from an advisory council comprising representatives from participating institutions.