SCC sets example for Missouri Campus Compact; Chesbrough named chair

Published: 06/18/2015

MOCC seeks to create and expand engagement through academic and co-curricular programs, to advocate for public policies that encourage and support community engagement, and to enhance the commitment to higher education’s civic mission.

“Each year we are inspired by the students’ willingness to give their time and talents to impact their communities,” said MOCC Executive Director Tabitha Underwood, Ph.D.

As chair, Chesbrough will serve a two-year term and his duties will include providing leadership to the Council of Presidents and at Executive meetings, coordinating programming with the MOCC executive director, speaking on behalf of MOCC, and advocating for higher education community engagement.

At the request of Underwood, SCC Assistant Professor Bryonie Carter and SCC Manager of Student Activities Mandi Smith presented at the June meeting. “SCC’s Service Learning program is in its infancy, and yet we managed to accomplish a lot during its pilot year,” said Carter.

“Not only can students participate in the exemplary Semester of Service program, but Missouri Campus Compact provides service-learning programs with faculty and staff training and conference opportunities as well as the chance to apply for grants and awards,” said Carter.

Carter and Smith gave an overview of SCC’s student body to MOCC college and university presidents, shared service-learning data from the past academic year, and provided examples of the innovative projects faculty and students have taken on during the past year.

The presentation emphasized how administrative and faculty collaboration is essential to conceptualizing and building a strong service-learning program and how service learning is one of the many ways faculty can inspire students to effect change inside and outside of the classroom.

Missouri Campus Compact is a membership association of college and university presidents and chancellors established to advance community engagement within higher education and strengthen partnerships between post-secondary institutions and the communities they serve. MOCC membership currently consists of 34 presidents across the state including representatives from community colleges, four-year public, and four-year private institutions.

St. Charles Community College is a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit stchas.edu.