InSciTE

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A logo for the InSciTE program

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Our mission is to create an equitable student-driven environment for undergraduate students to develop skills on interdisciplinary communication, collaboration and real-world problem solving to become culturally competent and effective leaders.

, Central Michigan University
Established: 2022

[www.se.cmich.edu/InSciTE]

Vision and Goals

Our mission is to create an equitable student-driven environment for undergraduate students to develop skills on interdisciplinary communication, collaboration and real-world problem solving to become culturally competent and effective leaders.

Center/Program Structure

The InSciTE Center is an independent unit within the College of Science and Engineering at Central Michigan University. It is internal to the university and run by Dr. Wiline Pangle and supported by the staff of the college. Two hundred students are currently part of this program, which leads to an undergraduate certificate for students once they complete a 5-course series. Faculty are involved in the program by either teaching as part of their teaching load (~10 faculty), being part of the oversight committee (~15 faculty), or serving as a research mentor for students (~25 faculty).

Are there advantages of being structured this way?
This structure provides high sustainability for the program.

Are there particular challenges that result from this structure?

Funding

The major source of funding is the tuition from the 5-course series of the program. In addition, strong fundraising with donors and local industry partners provide some funding for professional development, resources and student scholarships.

How has this funding structure influenced the undergraduate STEM education programming the center offers?
The funding has not influenced the programming offered, which is grounded in the 5-course series. This course series' curriculum was approved by the university senate in 2023.

What are the specific advantages of having a center funded in this way?
This structure has allowed a sustainable model from the start.

What are the challenges?
Obtaining federal funding in this current climate.

Has this funding structure has changed over time?
No

Description of Programming

All of our programming is aimed at undergraduate STEM students that are students at Central Michigan University. The programming is divided in two areas:
- a 5-course series centered on transferable skills, taught with project-based learning pedagogy
- extra-curricular activities centered on belonging and professional networking

Successes and Impacts

Our InSciTE certificate is now the certificate with the largest number of students enrolled at our university, despite being only 4 years old.

Evaluation and Assessment

How does your center demonstrate its value, both in terms of assessing its own programming and responding to external evaluation?
We have an extensive assessment plan, with both qualitative and quantitative data, to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the program.

Elements Contributing to Success

Supplemental Materials