[Un]classes

DISCONNECTED COMMUNITIES: 
Akron Neighborhoods in the Archives
ENGL 489/589 – DIGITAL PROJECTS IN THE ARCHIVES 
M.W – 2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. 
 

Hillary Nunn, Ph.D.
Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, English
 
In recognition of Akron’s bicentennial, this hands-on course examined the large-scale impact of renewal projects on city neighborhoods during the twentieth century. Students used local archives to uncover stories and photographs of the changes brought about by the Innerbelt’s construction and investigated how other lesser-known urban planning projects altered the city’s cultural landscape and the lives of Akronites. 
 

No special experience with archival research or digital tools was required. 
The class was linked with GEOL 498-001: SPECIAL TOPICS IN GEOLOGY, and together, students created visualizations of these changes to Akron’s neighborhoods.  

 DISCONNECTED COMMUNITIES: 
Mapping Akron Neighborhoods
GEOL 498-001 – SPECIAL TOPICS IN GEOLOGY 
 M.W.F – 11:50 p.m. to 12:40 p.m.  

Shanon Donnelly, Ph.D.
Professor of Instruction – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Geoscience
 
In recognition of Akron’s bicentennial, this hands-on course examined the impact of "urban renewal" projects on city neighborhoods during the twentieth century. Digital maps and other geospatial visualizations of archival material were developed using technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and drones. The focus was on changes brought about by the Innerbelt’s construction and other lesser-known urban planning projects that altered the city’s cultural landscape and the lives of Akronites. 
 
No prior experience with mapping software was required. 
The class was linked with ENG 489/589: DIGITAL PROJECTS IN THE ARCHIVES, and together, students created visualizations of these changes to Akron’s neighborhoods. 

 PRESERVING THE PAST, DESIGNING THE FUTURE: 
Renewing the UA Natural History Museum
EDCI 480 / BIOL 495 
M – 12:55 p.m. to 3:25 p.m. 
 

Lara Roketenetz, Ph.D.
Field Station Director – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Biology 
Gary Holliday, Ph.D.
Director; Professor Curricular and Instructional Studies – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Education
 
In this hands-on course, students reimagined the University of Akron's Natural History Museum. Guided by a professional collections assessment, they explored the significance of biological and geological collections for research, education, and outreach. Collaborating with experts in museums, collections, and archives, the class designed a space to display specimens for use by the campus community and the public. They learned how to create meaningful exhibits and support research while preserving the University's rich history. 
 

Several field trips to view other collections took place on select Mondays, so some schedule flexibility was appreciated but not required.  

THE AKRON CONNECTION 
SPRT 480 
M.W – 9:15 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.  

Melissa Dreisbach, MSED
Visiting Assistant Professor - UA School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences 
Daniel Heideman
Adaptive PE. Teacher – Akron Public Schools 
 
This class gave students the opportunity to plan and lead a Celebratory Day event for Akron Public School students with special needs. In the course, they learned how to manage diverse groups, develop engaging and healthy activities, and gain hands-on experience in event planning and promotion. Through this process, they built valuable real-life skills while making a positive impact on the physical, social, and emotional well-being of these students. It was a unique chance to grow both personally and professionally while fostering inclusivity and understanding.

INSIDE-OUT: 
Argumentation
COMM 245  
T.TH – 2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. | Location Varied (see below)  

Mary Triece, Ph.D.
Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Communication
 
Students participated in a transformative learning experience through the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, connecting with fellow UA students and incarcerated women as equals. The course went beyond argumentation skills—it focused on community, self-discovery, and fostering justice through dialogue. Some classes were held at the Cliff Skeen Correctional Facility, providing a unique space for shared learning. Students strengthened their voices, contributed to democratic change, and built meaningful connections as part of a journey that empowered both individuals and communities. 

No prior experience was needed—just an open mind. 

"OUT" OF THE ARCHIVES: 
Exploring Akron's LGBTQ+ History
ENG 489/589:002 
M.W – 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. 

Hillary Nunn, Ph.D.
Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, English 
Tony Pankuch, MLIS
Education and Outreach Coordinator – UA Cummings Center for the History of Psychology, Museum Team
 
Students learned about the nuances of LGBTQ+ historical research through an open-ended exploration of narratives in local archival repositories. They dove into the archives to identify relevant materials about LGBTQ+ figures, organizations, and events. Aided by contextual research and community outreach, they shared their findings publicly and worked ethically to create resources for others seeking access to the Rubber City's queer histories. 

DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO
BIOL 495/695:614 
T.TH – 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  

Randy Mitchell, Ph.D.
Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Biology 
Judy Semroc
Author - Conservation specialist, Field Biologist and Naturalist 
 
Students joined author Judy Semroc and UA Biology Professor Dr. Randy Mitchell to explore the diversity and biology of this fascinating group of insects. The [Un]class met at the UA Field Station located in Bath Nature Preserve. 

 
ONE HEALTH 
BIOL: 495:003 
M – 12:55 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. 

Lara Roketenetz, Ph.D.
Field Station Director – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Biology 
 
One Health recognized that humans, plants, animals, and their shared ecosystems were interconnected and interdependent. Students examined health through these various lenses and at multiple scales, working together in the class to explore what optimal health for all species could look like in Akron and beyond. 

ROUND HOWARD STREET: 
Telling the Story of Akron Jazz
ENGL 489/582:002 
M.W.F – 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. 

Theron Brown
Assistant Professor of Practice – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Music
Hillary Nunn, Ph.D.
Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, English
 
In this hands-on course, students explored the central role jazz played in Akron’s cultural life in the early twentieth century. They delved into archives to uncover long-hidden stories about musicians, clubs, and audiences, and used social media tools to share their research with new audiences. Students also contributed to the Cleveland Greenbook Project to ensure Akron’s history was fully represented on the website. 

No prior experience with archival research or digital tools was required. 
 

COURT JUSTICE: 
How Sport Changes Our World Views
EXER 480:002 
T.TH – 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. 

Melissa Dreisbach, MSED
Visiting Assistant Professor - UA School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences 
Heather Pollock
Coordinator, Study Abroad; Visiting Assistant Professor of Instruction – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, History

Sports heroes have the ability to capture our attention. We love them or hate them intensely; we feel as if we know them intimately. They carry our hopes and dreams on their backs—to the field, the pitch, the court…and beyond. This course examined how our investment in athletes shapes our views of justice. When they stood up—or took a knee—we noticed. Students worked in groups to create informational posters highlighting a movement or influential individual and distributed their creations at local sporting events. 

ZIPS GIVE TOGETHER: 
A Student Design Team
EXER 480:002 
T.TH – 2:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. 
 

Christin Seher, Ph.D.
Director; Professor of Instruction – UA The EX[L] Center for Community Engaged Learning
 
The EX[L] Center sought Zips who were passionate about impacting their community and wanted to help design experiences that connect The University of Akron with local nonprofits. Alongside campus and community leaders, students learned about areas of need in Akron, philanthropy, and board service while developing skills in communication, teamwork, and design thinking. Together, they co-designed and worked to launch new programs. 

No experience with nonprofits was necessary. 

A DIFFERENT WAY TO PLAY
EXER 480:001 
SPRING | F – 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 

Melissa Dreisbach, MSED
Visiting Assistant Professor - UA School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences
 
Through one-on-one interaction with individuals from the Akron Public Schools’ special needs program, students considered how to “play different” by designing adaptive learning activities for elementary students that were engaging, physically active, and healthy. 

[Un]class fulfilled an Honors Colloquia requirement. 

 ACTING LIKE A HOWER 
ENGL 489/589 
W – 5:20 p.m. to 7:50 p.m. 

Hillary Nunn, Ph.D.
Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, English
 
Using sources from The UA Archives and Special Collections and the Hower House Museum, students explored the role Grace Hower played in Akron’s theatrical community in the early twentieth century to help establish Akron's Weathervane Playhouse. They used tools like blogs, websites, digital archives, and Instagram feeds to bring the story to new audiences and learned not only about Weathervane's early days but also about the wide array of people involved in its success. 

No prior digital experience was necessary.   
[Un]class fulfilled an Honors Colloquia requirement. 

THE EVOLUTION OF BEAKS  
EDCI 480:001 / BIOL 495:004 
M - 12:55 p.m. to 3:25 p.m.  

Lara Roketenetz, Ph.D.
Field Station Director – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Biology
Gary Holliday, Ph.D.
Director; Professor Curricular and Instructional Studies – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Education
 
Students created Biomimicry Exploration Activity Kits (BEAKs) focused on plant and animal adaptations that can be used to solve human problems. They designed curriculum to accompany the kits, which was offered as an after-school or evening program for teens and adults to effectively communicate complex science topics. 

[Un]class fulfilled an Honors Colloquia requirement. 

ZIPS RECHARGE TOGETHER
EXLC 490:001
T.TH - 3:05 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.  

Alison Doehring
Senior Director – UA ZipAssist and Student Affairs Development 
 
Over the course of eight weeks, students transformed a space in the Student Union into a serene relaxation room. They came prepared to be creative and learned how to improve college student mental health through intentional design. They helped create a place where all Zips could recharge, relax, and refresh! 

No design experience was necessary—just an open mind and big ideas.  
[Un]class fulfilled an Honors Colloquia requirement. 

TODAY I PROMISE
COMM 317:001 – SPECIAL TOPICS 
M.W – 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. 
Some Classes Held at I Promise School 

Juan E Contreras, M.A.
Professor of Practice and General Manager; ZTVUA – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Communication 
Jennifer Bozeka
Senior Lecturer - UA LeBron James Family Foundation School of Education
 
Students worked alongside Z-TV in the WKYC-sponsored television studio at the I Promise School to develop and implement hands-on lessons that taught reading, writing, media literacy, and video production skills to middle school students. 
 

No prior video production or teaching experience was necessary. Students were required to pass a background check.  
[Un]class fulfilled an Honors Colloquia requirement.  

ANCHORING OURSELVES IN AKRON
NUTR 450 
T.TH – 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. 

Amber Ferris, Ph.D.
Interim Director and Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Communication 
 
Students from all majors interested in improving their research skills while gaining practical, hands-on experience to include on their resumes participated in a cross-campus research project examining how organizations build trust in communities. They worked as a team to design a survey—including an interview protocol—engage with stakeholders in Akron, and explore data analysis and visualization techniques. This [Un]class honed skills in collaboration, communication, and community-based research, and was particularly relevant for students pursuing careers in communication, business, nonprofit/government, education, marketing, and community outreach/engagement. 

DESIGN YOUR LIFE
ENGL 489/589 
T.TH – 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

Heather Braun, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, English 
 
This hands-on course helped students solve actionable problems using the framework of design thinking. Students collaborated with local APS students, community stakeholders, and local professionals, developing empathy, creative confidence, and teamwork skills, while designing multiple pathways for college success. 

DISCOVER THE UA MUSUEM OF ZOOLOGY
EDCI 480-001 / BIOL 495-610 
W – 12:55 p.m. to 3:25 p.m. 

Lara Roketenetz, Ph.D.
Field Station Director – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Biology 
Gary Holliday, Ph.D.
Director; Professor Curricular and Instructional Studies – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Education
The University of Akron
Cummings Center for the History of Psychology
 
Students engaged in a combination of detective work, biology, archival research, art, and education/outreach to prepare a collection of taxidermied birds donated to UA by the Rhodes family in the early 1900s for public access and exhibition. They had the opportunity to learn from leading experts about the historical significance of biological collections, proper preservation protocols, digitization and archival practices, and the urgency of science education and communication for public audiences. 
 
Campus and community partners included experts from local museums, nature centers, and UA's Cummings Center for the History of Psychology. 

MENUS AND MANUSCRIPTS AT THE HOWER HOUSE: 
Digital Projects in the Archives
ENGL 489/589 
T.TH – 2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. 

Hillary Nunn, Ph.D.
Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, English 
 
In this hands-on course, students explored the central role that food, cooking, and entertaining played at the Hower House in the early twentieth century. They used tools like blogs, websites, digital archives, and Instagram feeds to bring archival research to new audiences, and prepared a cookbook for print publication to showcase the Hower family’s recipes. In the process, participants learned not only about the era’s food and parties but also about the wide array of people involved in their production. 

No prior experience with digital tools required.  

LIFE, LIBERTY AND PROPERTY: 
Akron in 1938 and 2021 
POLIT 492/592-502 
T – 6:15 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. | Online 

John C. Green, Ph.D.
Director Emeritus; Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Political Science – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics 
 
In 1938, a groundbreaking public opinion survey was conducted in Akron, Ohio. Students worked as a team to analyze the original questionnaires and develop a comparable survey in Akron in 2021. Students from all majors and colleges were invited to bring their unique expertise to explore continuity and change in Akron over the past eighty-three years. 

[Un]class fulfilled a Complex Issues Facing Society Gen Ed requirement. 

POST DISASTER: 
A Poverty Simulation 
EMHS 490-001 
T – 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Jeffrey Pellegrino
Associate Professor – UA College of Health and Human Sciences, Disaster Science and Emergency Services 
 
Students explored the complex dynamics of disaster response. They discovered the relationships among first responders and services provided by government, nonprofit, and private organizations in the aftermath of a disaster—relationships that were often neither fair nor just. This [Un]class worked with community partners to apply these insights by designing and executing a real-life poverty simulation, helping others gain a personal, first-hand understanding of poverty. 

[Un]class fulfilled a Complex Issues Facing Society Gen Ed requirement. 

DESIGN YOUR CAREER 
ENGL 489/589 
T.TH – 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Heather Braun, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, English 
Akron Public Schools
Community Partner 
 
Working with tools from Stanford’s Hasso Plattner Institute of Design, this [Un]class helped students develop a growth mindset and creative confidence to tackle problems and design multiple career paths. As co-designers of the course, students gathered knowledge and feedback from mentors, peers, and local professionals to articulate what gave them purpose and drove them to succeed. 

NOURISHING NARRATIVES 
ENGL 489-502 / NUTR 421-008 
Online Asynchronous

Lauren Garcia-Duplain
Professor of Instruction – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, English 
Dr. Kristen Debois
Nutrition 
Christin Seher, Ph.D.
Director; Professor of Instruction – UA The EX[L] Center for Community Engaged Learning 
 
Students explored their cultural food stories through narrative writing while watching and discussing the docuseries Taste the Nation (access to Hulu was needed for Jan/Feb). The class then collaborated with local food entrepreneurs and chefs to learn and write about their food stories, using these narratives to innovate ways to better connect the campus community to Akron’s diverse foodscape. 

[Un]class fulfilled a Complex Issues Facing Society Gen Ed requirement. 

WICKED PROBLEMS:
The Covid-19 Edition
 MATH 489 
Online Synchronous 

Alex Hoover
Assistant Professor – UA College of Engineering and Polymer Science, Mathematics
Carolyn Behrman, Ph.D.
Professor Emerita – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Anthropology 
Heather Braun, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, English 
Rebecca Erickson, Ph.D.
Chair – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Anthropology & Sociology 
Cher Hendricks
Vice Provost – UA Academic and Faculty Affairs 
John Huss, Ph. D.
Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Philosophy
Bill Lyons, Ph. D.
Associate Dean; Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Political Science 
John MacDonald
Director – UA Student Recreation and Wellness Services 
Peter Niewiarowski, Ph.D.
Professor – UA Biomimicry Research & Innovation Center, Biology
 
This [Un]Class used wicked problems, design thinking, and an entrepreneurial mindset as a starting point to create one or more solutions or actions that positively and substantively impacted our shared experience under the challenging conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

[Un]class fulfilled a Complex Issues Facing Society Gen Ed requirement. 
 

HUMANS OF UA: 
Reimagining the Margins of the Archive
ENGL 489/589 
T – 2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. (In-Person) | TH – 2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. (Online)

Hillary Nunn, Ph.D.
Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, English
Leianne Neff
President and CEO - The Summit County Historical Society of Akron, Ohio
Vic Fleischer
Archivist and Head of Archival Services - UA Archives and Special Collections
 
Working with the University of Akron Archives and the Summit County Historical Society, this [Un]class used historical materials and social media to bring often overlooked voices from The University of Akron’s past into today’s conversations. Students treated the archive as a resource for crafting stories that spoke to a wide range of audiences. They imagined the lives, experiences, and social concerns of people hidden in the archives, bringing them to life through blogs, Instagram, and Twitter. In doing so, students drew inspiration from popular projects like Humans of New York and the New York Times’ Overlooked No More retroactive obituary series as models for their work. 

THE RHETORIC OF CATHARSIS
ENGL 389 
T.TH – 2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Juliana Amir, MFA
Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, English
Jordan Renna, Ph.D.
Associate Professor; Interim Chair – UA Integrated Bioscience, Biology 
Lance Svehla, Ph.D.
Associate Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, English
Olivia Honeck, RN 
 
The Rhetoric of Catharsis was a workshop [Un]class that asked students to engage with their personal experiences—including distress and anxieties—as closely as they felt comfortable and safe, in order to explore how writing together could serve both academic and therapeutic purposes. This course facilitated the development of a scholarly community through the production and reflection on narrative, with narrative re-envisioned as art. 

UA EVERYDAY: 
Sesquicentennial History of Student Life at The University of Akron (UA) 
HIST 493/593
T.TH – 2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. 

Kevin Kern, Ph.D.
Associate Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, History
Leianne Neff
President and CEO - The Summit County Historical Society of Akron, Ohio 
Vic Fleischer
Archivist and Head of Archival Services - UA Archives and Special Collections 
 
Students used 150 years of student experience at The University of Akron as a lens to examine not only the university’s history but also major social, cultural, economic, and political trends in modern U.S. history. 
 

ALL THE WORLD’S A CLASSROOM
EDCI 480 / BIOL 495-610 
F 10:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Lara Roketenetz, Ph.D.
Field Station Director – UA Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences, Biology 
Gary Holliday, Ph.D.
Director; Professor Curricular and Instructional Studies – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Education
 
This [Un]class focused on techniques from the field of environmental education and helped students build connections from nature to their classrooms (whether formal or informal). Students learned to use and became certified in established nature-based curricula such as Project WILD, Growing Up Wild, Aquatic WILD, Project WET, and Wonders of Wetlands. They concentrated on delivering impactful STEAM content to diverse audiences and determining the best methods to assess these interactions. The [Un]class met at The University of Akron Field Station at Bath Nature Preserve. Several sessions included visits from expert environmental educators representing local agencies such as Summit Metroparks, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Students also had the opportunity to participate in on-site field trip experiences with local K-12 schools. 

This course was appropriate for Education, Biology, Environmental Science, Museum and Library Science majors, among others. 

DEEP DUMPSTER DIVE: 
The Value of Understanding the Waste-Scape
ANTH 472/572:002 

Lisa Beiswenger
Assistant Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Anthropology
Andrew Henry
Facilities Manager – UA Department of Physical Facilities, Physical Facilities Operations Center 
 
What did the world look like from the vantage point of trash? How could understanding that help better reduce waste production? This [Un]class explored sustainability, waste, and waste management by designing and implementing a waste audit on UA’s main campus. 
 
Open to all, the program especially welcomed a genuine mix of skills and perspectives. Students from social science, environmental science, applied math, engineering, geography, systems management, economics, writers/humanities, communicators/educators, and art/design-oriented fields were encouraged to join this 3-credit opportunity to contribute to practical improvements and a better world. 

DESIGN YOUR CAREER
ENGL 489/589 
W – 3:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Heather Braun, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, English
 
Working with tools and concepts from Stanford University’s Hasso Plattner Institute for Design, this [Un]class engaged students in a variety of activities to tap into and expand skills for developing stronger direction and purpose. Participants embraced ambiguity and cultivated a bias toward action as they built collaborative models for personal and professional efficacy. The course included conducting interviews with both high school students and seasoned professionals from diverse disciplines about their career choices. Based on this research, students co-designed a workshop prototype aimed at helping high school seniors enhance their ability to frame their own direction and purpose. 

UNEARTHING AKRON’S PAST: 
The Forgotten Dead of Schneider Park 
COMM 317-001 
T.TH – 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Joshua Gippin
Documentary Filmmaker - Joshua Tree Productions
Theatre on the Spectrum
Community Partner
The University of Akron
Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Anthropology and Communications
 
This was a documentary filmmaking [Un]class. Participants collaborated on an interdisciplinary team with diverse skill sets—including video editing, motion graphics/animation, graphic design, research and writing, music scoring, and marketing and public relations—to complete a post-production project. The topic centered on the discovery that bodies were buried in a local park, leading to revelations about Akron’s past. It was a story shrouded in mystery, uncovering parts of the city’s history that some might prefer to keep buried and forgotten. 

Want to watch the documentary?
Check out: https://www.pbswesternreserve.org/productions/the-forgotten-dead/ 

URBAN BIO-JUSTICE 
SOCIO 365 / BIOL 495 
 T – 1:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Daniela Jauk-Ajamie, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Sociology
Petra Gruber, Ph.D.
Associate Professor - UA Biomimicry Research and Innovation Center, Biodesign 
 
The project focused on connecting the idea of community gardens with recovery, education, food security, and health. A concrete area in Akron, designated as a ‘food desert,’ served as a case study location to design a learning and healing garden. Participants explored and applied theoretical concepts of environmental justice, food justice, and criminal justice within this concrete urban space and translated their findings into applied bio-design for social justice. Using a collective mapping methodology called Iconoclasts—developed at the intersection of art and social activism—they co-created a specific concept integrating design and programming. 

WELL-BEING AND WIDER WISDOM 
ANTH 472/572 
SPRING | W – 2:45 p.m. to 4:05 p.m.

Carolyn Behrman, Ph.D.
Professor Emerita – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Anthropology 
Ashley Rini, M.S.
Director – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Pre-Health Advising 
 
In this [Un]class, students from any major with an interest in health formed a research team to gain hands-on experience in research framing, data collection, and problem-solving. Working closely with community partners, they aimed to better understand and improve community health in the city of Akron. 

Potential partners included SUMMA, NeoMed, Neighborhood Network, ASIA Inc., and the City of Akron. 

A LENS ON EUGENICS IN AKRON:
Documentary Filmmaking 
ANTH 398-001 
M.W – 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Joshua Gippin
Documentary Filmmaker - Joshua Tree Productions
Timothy Matney, Ph.D.
Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Anthropology
Carolyn Behrman, Ph.D.
Professor Emerita – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Anthropology
 
This was a two-part series of [Un]classes focused on documentary and ethnographic filmmaking. 
 
In Fall 2019 and Spring 2020, documentary filmmaker Joshua Gippin led two [Un]classes that produced a full documentary exploring eugenics in America, drawing on materials related to the former Summit County Infirmary and Schneider Park’s unmarked graves. During the Fall 2019 session, students learned documentary film production as they gathered social science data and applied critical thinking skills to shape the documentary’s content. Gippin guided students through the production process, with the [Un]class forming a production crew to prep and film interviews and b-roll footage using equipment provided by the School of Communication and/or Gippin’s company, Joshua Tree Productions. The Spring 2020 course, based in the School of Communication, helped students hone post-production and marketing skills as the documentary moved toward completion. 

Like all [Un]classes, this series was open to interested students from any field. 

ARTFUL AKRON 
ENGL 489/589 
M.W – 2:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Hillary Nunn, Ph.D.
Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, English 
 
Capitalizing on current revitalization projects on Main Street, this [Un]class explored Akron’s arts scene both historically and in its present form. Students researched archives and visited physical spaces downtown, creating on-site displays about Akron’s past and present, as well as a mobile-friendly website. Class members used what they learned to reveal the layered history of Akron’s artistic and cultural scene. 

CROSSING BORDERS & CREATING COMMUNITY
SOCIO 365-001 
M.W – 2:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Robert Peralta, Ph.D.
Professor; Director of the Center for Conflict Management – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Sociology 
Nicole Kille
Executive Director; International Education Administration – UA International Center
 
Students who enjoyed connecting with peers from diverse backgrounds and cultures participated in building and strengthening their leadership skills. They played a lasting and collaborative role in improving the university community by bringing together international and native students. The Crossing Borders [Un]class employed a team-based, problem-centered approach to explore the social and cultural borders separating students and dividing the campus from the wider community. Students engineered strategies to overcome those borders and presented their findings to members of the university community. 
 
The course provided students with hands-on experience in research skills, report writing, presentation, critical thinking, personal and interpersonal development, and reflexive practice. Research indicates that engaging with people from different cultures helps reduce implicit biases, fosters compassion and empathy, and contributes to building stronger communities—an overarching goal of the class. 

DESIGN YOUR CAREER 
 ENGL 489-003 
T – 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Heather Braun, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, English
Akron Public Schools
Community Partner
 
Working with tools and concepts from Stanford’s Hasso Plattner Institute of Design, this [Un]class helped students tap into skills and activities that motivated and engaged them—an important step toward developing stronger direction and purpose. UA students learned to embrace ambiguity and cultivate a bias toward action as they built collaborative models for personal and professional efficacy. They conducted interviews with Akron Public Schools (APS) students and Akron-area professionals from various disciplines about their career choices. Using this research, they co-designed workshop prototypes for high school seniors. After selecting and testing the best prototypes, UA mentors facilitated their own design thinking workshop for APS students, helping them discover activities that inspire them to work, lead, and express themselves. Near the end of the course, UA mentors introduced APS seniors to the college and job application process and shared their experiences with different majors and internships. Providing students with a shared set of tools to navigate the transition from high school through college aimed to increase student retention and success after graduation. 

SALSA: 
History in Motion 
HIST 373 – Special Topics | M.W – 2:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 
COMM 372 – Video Production  | M.W – 5:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 
DNCE 111 – World Dance| M.W– 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Dr. Martha Santos, Ph.D.
Associate Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, History
Lenin A. Guerrero Maldonado
Professional Salsa Dancer; Director - Salcity of Angels Dance Company, Cleveland 
Juan E Contreras, M.A.
Professor of Practice & General Manage; ZTVUA – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Communication
 
Salsa, an energetic, rich, and vibrant music and dance of Latin American origins, also has deep ties to long histories of globalization, enslavement, resistance, and cultural creation in Latin America, as well as to immigration processes and cultural identities in the United States. This [Un]class made the embodied practice of salsa dancing a central component of the learning experience. Students helped break the bounds of traditional academic, field-centered teaching and learning approaches by analyzing, reading, writing, and experiencing the history, aesthetics, and movement of salsa dancing. Together with faculty, they developed a creative language to reflect on their personal and collective discoveries of salsa’s history and motion. 

BIG DATA IN SPORTS
PHED 480 
T – 4:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Matthew Juravich, Ph.D.
Chief Strategy Officer; Associate Professor – UA College of Business, Management 
The Cleveland Cavaliers
Community Partner
The University of Akron
UA College of Business, Economics
 
The use of analytics in sports organizations offers teams a chance to gain a competitive edge. However, questions remain about how heavily data should influence decision-making. This [Un]class introduced students to the role of big data in professional sports, exploring its impact on strategy and operations. Throughout the semester, students, faculty, and industry partners examined core methods and challenges in sports analytics and collaborated to develop a proposal for a dedicated degree track in this emerging field. 
 

ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY: 
Community Renewable Energy in Akron 
 POLIT 417/592 
TH – 4:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Terrence O’Sullivan, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor – UA Center for Emergency Management and Homeland Security 
Engineers for Sustainability
UA Student Organization – Josh Loveland, President
Akron Solar Project
Community Partner – Tom Ghinder, Coordinator
The Sustainer Project
Community Partner – Steve Lederer –  Funded by the Knight Foundation
Dom Bruno
UA Electrical Engineering Alumni
 
With growing student interest in renewable energy—including solar and wind—this course examined the technical, geographic (including urban planning), political, and social factors influencing the adoption of renewables in Akron. Students explored how renewable energy could reduce utility costs and enhance disaster resilience, drawing insights from past regional power outages. Engaging with local energy experts, students developed or contributed to projects that tested their ideas in real-world contexts. 

EXPLORING LAND ETHIC
GEOG 489/589 
F – 10:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Martin Center for Field Studies and Environmental Education

Shanon Donnelly, Ph.D.
Professor of Instruction – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Geoscience
Lara Roketenetz, Ph.D.
Field Station Director – UA Buchtel School of Arts and Sciences, Biology
Bath Nature Preserve
Community Partner
Panzner Wetlands Wildlife Reserve
Community Partner
 
This [Un]class explored the concept of a land ethic, focusing particularly on the landscapes of The University of Akron’s Field Station properties, including Bath Nature Preserve and Panzner Wetlands Wildlife Reserve. Drawing from both scientific and humanities perspectives, students examined these sites through the lens of Aldo Leopold’s Land Ethic while developing their own philosophies regarding land use and conservation. They applied methods from biology and geography to better understand ecological communities and cultivated facilitation skills to lead a community conversation at the end of the semester. 

I PROMISE: A COMMUNITY SERVICE-LEARNING THINK TANK 
 EDCI 480 
TH – 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | I Promise School

Gary Holliday, Ph.D.
Director; Professor Curricular & Instructional Studies – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Education
Rebecca Erickson, Ph.D.
Chair – UA BCAS, Anthropology & Sociology
Kathryn Feltey, Ph.D.
Associate Professor Emeritus – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Sociology
I Promise School
Community Partner
 
This [Un]class tackled the challenge of developing a strong and sustainable service-learning initiative at Akron’s I Promise School (IPS), aimed at supporting elementary students and their families in alignment with the school’s mission and goals. An interdisciplinary team of UA students and faculty collaborated closely with IPS students, teachers, and community partners. Using social science research methods, they assessed community needs and designed viable program proposals for IPS leadership to consider implementing in 2019–2020. 

#METOO:
Analysis, Action, and Power in Social (Media) Justice 
 ENGL 489/589:004 
T.TH – 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Amanda Booher, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, English
Mary Triece, Ph.D.
Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Communication
Tracy Thomas
John F. Seiberling Chair of Constitutional Law and Director, Constitutional Law Center – UA School of Law 
Open Healing Survivor Resource Center
Community Partner
 
In October 2017, the #MeToo movement erupted on social media, initially targeting Hollywood executives but rapidly expanding to expose sexual harassment and assault across politics, academia, and beyond. This course examined the origins and impact of #MeToo, addressing issues of power and the pervasive problems of sexual harassment, aggression, and assault. 
 
The first part of the course focused on the movement’s exigence, definitions, and effects, using diverse lenses such as rhetoric, gender studies and intersectionality, philosophy, law, and social media. Students engaged with readings, discussions, and academic and community partners who brought lived experiences and varied perspectives to the conversation. 
 
In the second part, students designed individual or group projects aimed at applying analytical techniques to social justice issues and developing concrete strategies for making meaningful, if incremental, change. 

MIGRATING HOME
ANTH 472-001 
M.W – 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Eugenia ‘Evi’ Gorogianni, Ph.D.
Professor of Instruction – UA Buchtel Cocllege of Arts and Sciences, History
Mira Mohsini, Ph.D.
Visiting Assistant Professor - UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Anthropology
Akron-Summit County North Hill Branch Library
Community Partner
International Institute of Akron
Community Partner
 
This [Un]class explored the concepts of home and homemaking alongside the material complexities of human migration. While home is often said to be “where the heart is,” the objects we surround ourselves with also play a crucial role in creating a sense of comfort and belonging. But what happens when people must move? How do they recreate a feeling of home when their belongings cannot always come along? How do they choose what to bring to feel at home in a new environment? And how is identity expressed and negotiated through material culture in new places? 
 
Students examined the materiality of migration and the evolving relationships between people and their possessions throughout migratory experiences. They investigated the histories of local migrant groups and collaborated with community partners from resettled refugee and immigrant populations, as well as international students at The University of Akron. 
 
Course projects aimed to foster greater understanding within the Akron community about the lived experiences of migrants and the everyday impacts of migration. 

RESTORATION ECOLOGY
BIOL 495/695 
M – 1:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Lab) | W – 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

Randy Mitchell, Ph.D.
Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Biology
City of Akron Recreation and Parks Department
Community Partner
Enviroscience
Community Partner 
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Community Partner
 
The Cuyahoga Valley serves as a key example in the national conversation about restoring damaged ecosystems. With Akron situated at the heart of this valley, it is fitting that UA students engage directly with these efforts. In this [Un]class, an interdisciplinary team of students from biology, geology, environmental sciences, and related fields collaborated with academic and restoration professionals. Beyond classroom learning, students gained hands-on experience by monitoring and maintaining existing urban restorations at Haley’s Run, as well as planning and evaluating new restoration projects at Adam’s Run. 

SOLVING B.I.G. MATHEMATICAL PROBLEMS 
Business, Industrial, and Government 
MATH 489 
T.TH – 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Malena Espanol, Ph.D.
Associate Professor – UA College of Engineering and Polymer Science, Mathematics 
Shanon Donnelly, Ph.D.
Professor of Instruction – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Geoscience
 
In this [Un]class, students worked in interdisciplinary teams to translate questions sourced from B.I.G. partners into mathematical problems. They engaged closely with these partners to understand the context of the questions, presented their research findings, offered recommendations when applicable, and submitted a final research report summarizing their work. This [Un]class challenged students to apply their knowledge and sharpen the skills necessary for success in careers related to B.I.G. 

CIVIL DIALOGUES, CIVIL COMMUNITIES: 
An [Un]class in Civil Engagement

Oghenetoja Okoh, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, History
Matthew Lee, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Sociology
 
Inspired by the University of Akron’s annual Rethinking Race series, this [Un]class expanded the conversation to broader themes of civil discourse, focusing on applying these ideas within the Akron community. Recognizing the growing divide and reluctance to engage with differing perspectives—exacerbated by the 2016 election season—students collectively reflected on the state of public life. The primary goal was to imagine and help shape a more inclusive future for both local and national communities. Through reading critical voices from the past and present, participants deepened their understanding of civil discourse and found ways to foster meaningful engagement in their immediate surroundings. 

DIGITAL HUMANITIES IN THE ARCHIVES

Hillary Nunn, Ph.D.
Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences, English
Jodi Kearns Ph.D.
Director – UA Institute for Human Science and Culture
 
This [Un]class offered experiential learning through collaboration with the Archives of the History of American Psychology, housed at The Drs. Nicholas and Dorothy Cummings Center for the History of Psychology (CCHP). Students worked in teams to: 
Digitize and make accessible the CCHP’s vast postcard collection online, creating properly cataloged and searchable records enriched with detailed metadata; Transcribe the handwritten text found on these postcards; Interpret the materials by producing blog posts and research reports, which were published on the CCHP website and UA’s IdeaExchange Institutional Repository. 

DIFFICULT DIALOGUES AND THE LIFE OF MEANING

Matthew Lee, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences,, Sociology
Oghenetoja Okoh, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, History
 
This course equipped students with skills to engage in difficult dialogues and enrich their personal meaning in life. Supported by UA’s Center for Experiential Learning, participants collaborated with students from another course—CIVIL DIALOGUES, CIVIL COMMUNITIES: An [Un]class in Civil Engagement—to apply social science insights on transforming conflict and fostering meaningful community engagement. 

OPEN SCIENCE FOR CLEAN WATER

Hunter King, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor – UA School of Polymer Science & Polymer Engineering
Kelly Siman
Former Biomimicry Fellow – UA Integrated Bioscience, Biology
 
This [Un]class introduced global water resource challenges and explored open-source hardware and citizen science initiatives addressing them. Students collaborated on team projects both in the classroom and in the field, sharing their progress informally. The class also held 3–4 joint meetings with the Honors Colloquium to share work and inspire innovation.

[Un]class fulfilled an Honors Colloquia requirement. 

SYNERGISTIC TEAMS

Lauren Houser, MBA
Associate Professor of Practice – UA College of Business, Marketing
 
This [Un]class focused on developing effective contributors within modern business teams. It had two primary goals: 
To provide students with opportunities to sharpen their disciplinary skills and gain leadership experience by collaborating in interdisciplinary teams to solve complex, real-world problems.

To challenge students to create foundational materials for a future course titled Coding for Non-Coders. 

UNEARTHING THE PARANORMAL: 
Ghosts of Akron

Mira Mohsini, Ph.D.
Visiting Assistant Professor - UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Anthropology
 
This [Un]class invited students beyond the traditional classroom to explore Akron’s ghost stories and hauntings. Students conducted interviews with local residents about their paranormal experiences and shared their findings with the public. Key questions included: How do ghost stories and hauntings influence perceptions of place? What distinguishes real experiences from imagined ones? How can we know the difference? Alongside a final project, students gained hands-on experience in fieldwork and developed skills in data analysis. 

APPLIED RESEARCH ON THE COMMUTER STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Kathryn Feltey, Ph.D.
Associate Professor Emeritus – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Sociology
 
This [Un]class explored the experiences of commuter students at UA, examining the barriers they face and the pathways available to support them. Students worked in diverse teams using problem-based research methods to identify areas for improvement and brainstorm creative solutions. The course emphasized developing strong research skills and collaborative problem-solving to help make UA’s campus culture more inclusive, supportive, and responsive to the needs of commuter students. 

COMMON HOPE:
Guatemala

Juan E Contreras, M.A.
Professor of Practice and General Manage; ZTVUA – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Communication
 
This [Un]class, offered in collaboration with the Honors College, aims to deepen students’ understanding of their place within the global context. Through engagement with Akron’s Global Ties organization—which hosts State Department-funded international business and entrepreneurial visitors—and the International Institute of Akron, which supports refugee resettlement, students gain firsthand perspectives on the complex flow of people and ideas shaping Akron. A special focus of the course is Guatemala, with an optional Winter Break trip to Common Hope, a nonprofit organization working there.

[Un]class fulfilled an Honors Colloquia requirement. 

TEDx: [Un]class

David Flynn
Professor of Practice – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Myers School of Art
Anoo Vyas, J.D
Visiting Professor – UA School of Law
 
In these two Honors Colloquia sections, students engage deeply with the TEDx format as a powerful educational tool. This [Un]class invites students from diverse majors to use team-based, problem-focused approaches to learn about and actively participate in organizing TEDx-style events at UA. Participants will discover and interview potential speakers, help produce the event, and even create and deliver their own “Pecha Kucha” presentations. The course encourages students to build on their existing skills while challenging them to step outside their comfort zones and develop new ones. 

[Un]class fulfilled an Honors Colloquia requirement. 

STRATEGICALLY COMMUNICATING SCIENCE: 
PR, Market Planning and Implementation for Student Design Teams 

McKenna Vietmeier, M.A.
Assistant Director; Associate Professor of Instruction – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Communication
Lauren Houser, MBA
Assistant Professor of Practice – UA College of Business, Marketing

This [Un]class paired students interested in communication or marketing with Student Design Teams from the College of Engineering. Participants gained hands-on experience translating STEM concepts and current scientific developments into clear, accessible messages for the public. Guided by faculty within a structured framework, students engaged directly with engineering teams in real-world settings. This experience not only built valuable interdisciplinary communication skills but also enhanced the competitiveness and success of the UA design teams. 

SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS

Amanda Booher, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, English
Elyse Ball, J.D.
Assistant Counsel & Project Manager - UA Research Foundation
 
Students played a hands-on role in shaping the medical and scientific innovations of the future in this [Un]class, which connected UA students with the UA Research Foundation (UARF). Working in cross-disciplinary teams, students evaluated proposals from UA scientists aimed at translating scientific discoveries into commercial products. Key activities included: 
- Understanding and clearly communicating the development and purpose of each innovation 
- Researching and critically analyzing the potential and feasibility of the proposals
- Recommending funding decisions—awarding up to $100,000 from UARF to support the best projects 

This [Un]class challenged students to sharpen their research, critical thinking, and writing skills while gaining valuable insight into university and government funding processes for science and medicine, preparing them for future careers. 

CONSEQUENCES OF CARING

Pamela Schulze, Ph.D.
Professor & Director of Center for Family Studies – UA Child & Family Development
Kathryn Feltey, Ph.D.
Associate Professor Emeritus – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Sociology
 
This course welcomed students from all disciplines to investigate the impact of UA students’ caregiving responsibilities on their attendance, resource access, and academic success. Participants designed and conducted research, analyzed data, and shared their findings. 

EX[L]-ASSISTED CLASSES AND TEACHING: 
The Meaning of Life

Matthew Lee, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Sociology
Carolyn Behrman, Ph.D.
Professor Emerita – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Anthropology
Jeremy Lile
Heart to Heart Communications, Inc. – Community Partner
 
This class explored what social science can teach us about leading a meaningful and abundant life. Supported by EX[L] and the Knight Foundation through the grant “Global Learning That Engages the Head, the Heart, the Hands, and, through Ongoing Relationship and Connection, Encourages Students to Call Akron ‘Home,’” students partnered with the local nonprofit Heart to Heart Communications, Inc. The nonprofit provided in-class activities and facilitated collaboration with Akron leaders who have developed innovative solutions to community challenges. The course aimed to help students develop skills to clarify their personal values and connect them to life beyond graduation. 

FRONTLINE SERVICE PROJECT

Rebecca Erickson, Ph.D.
Chair – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Anthropology and Sociology
Matthew Lee, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Sociology
Markus Vogl
Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Myers School of Art
 
Since 2008, FrontLine Service, a Cleveland-based behavioral health organization, has collaborated closely with the Cleveland Police to support children and adults who have witnessed or experienced homicide. This interdisciplinary student-faculty project used social scientific methods to document the formation and ongoing success of this inter-organizational partnership, highlighting the compassionate practices that sustain it. The ultimate goal was to explore how the model could be replicated in other Ohio communities, such as Akron. 
 
Supported by the Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation and EX[L], an interdisciplinary team of undergraduate and graduate students from social sciences, humanities, and graphic design contributed to marketing and research efforts. Students developed marketing materials to promote the FrontLine Model and assisted with data collection and thematic analysis of interview data related to the project’s impact and processes. 

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMUNITY, AND SOCIAL ACTION

Matthew Lee, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Sociology
Carolyn Behrman, Ph.D.
Professor Emerita – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Anthropology
Jeremy Lile
Heart to Heart Communications, Inc. – Community Partner
 
This course offered a workshop designed to empower students to actively engage with organizational and community issues that impact social action—defined as the collective efforts toward shared goals. Students partnered with community organizations to complete projects focused on evidence-based interventions aimed at fostering positive social change at both organizational and community levels. The course combined online assignments, on-campus meetings, community site visits, and other community-based activities. Supported by EX[L] and the Knight Foundation through the grant “Global Learning That Engages the Head, the Heart, the Hands, and, through Ongoing Relationship and Connection, Encourages Students to Call Akron ‘Home,’” the course emphasized meaningful collaboration and applied learning. 

REINVENTING PLACE: 
Place-Making and the University-City Interface

Peter Niewiarowski, Ph.D.
Professor – UA Biomimicry Research & Innovation Center, Biology
Matthew Kolodziej, MFA
Distinguished Professor – UA Biomimicry Research and Innovation Center, Painting and Drawing
Carolyn Behrman, Ph.D.
Professor Emerita – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Anthropology
Petra Gruber, Ph.D.
Associate Professor - UA Biomimicry Research and Innovation Center, Biodesign
Carol Murphy, LPCC
Licensed Professional Counselor – Community Partner
Andy Davis
City of Akron – Community Partner
 
This course invited students from all disciplines to explore the boundaries separating The University of Akron and the city of Akron. Through collaboration with community partners, students identified sources of separation and isolation, while uncovering opportunities for greater integration and synergy between campus and community. 

SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE OTHERS: 
Extending the Compassion Capability Project

Matthew Lee, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Sociology
Rebecca Erickson, Ph.D.
Chair – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Anthropology and Sociology
Robert Schwartz, Ph.D.
Associate Dean; Professor – UA College of Health and Human Sciences, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
 
This project extended an ongoing compassion capability research initiative that began with two Akron-area behavioral health organizations, funded by the Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation to Drs. Erickson and Lee. Graduate students from the School of Counseling participated as observer-participants within their own internship organizations. Using longitudinal audio diaries, the project sought to deepen understanding of the internship experience by documenting students’ reflections and identifying best practices that support the development of compassion capability. 

SKILLS FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Jodi Henderson-Ross, Ph.D.
Professor – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Sociology
Charlie Waehler, Ph.D.
Associate Professor Emeritus – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Psychology
Matthew Lee, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus – UA Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Sociology
Robert Schwartz, Ph.D.
Associate Dean; Professor – UA College of Health and Human Sciences, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
 
People often feel they have to “go it alone.” This class focused on empowering individuals to act productively within their communities by cultivating self-awareness through mindfulness, enhancing connection through active listening, and developing skills to advocate for change. Students engaged with community partners to apply these skills in real-world contexts.