Abstract
DegreePlus is a recently developed program at Western Carolina University (WCU) that aims to develop transferable skills, including professionalism, cultural responsiveness, leadership and teamwork, in students via their participation in extracurricular activities. A mixed-methods study that included focus groups and a survey was used to identify the preliminary impacts of the program. Researchers found that students view the program as a supportive initiative to help them prepare for their future and meet their career goals. Students also perceive that they are learning the targeted skills and are able to apply them to a limited extent. Finally, students view the program as a means of connecting to their university community. We anticipate that student participation in this program may assist with other institutional goals, such as retention and student success, as many of the impacts from the program align with principles that support these objectives.
Highlights
DegreePlus (Western Carolina University, 2018) is a program designed to provide transferable skill development to students at Western Carolina University through their participation in designated extracurricular activities
DegreePlus, a program grounded in theory, career development literature and employer expectations, aims to make students careerready by developing transferable skills through their participation in extracurricular experiences
Despite the limitations of a small sample for our mixed methods study, preliminary findings show that DegreePlus is successfully meeting its goal of developing these skills in students
Summary
Preliminary impact of DegreePlus: An institutional program to provide transferable skill development through extracurricular activities. DegreePlus (Western Carolina University, 2018) is a program designed to provide transferable skill development to students at Western Carolina University through their participation in designated extracurricular activities. DegreePlus aims to promote professionalism, cultural responsiveness, leadership and teamwork in student participants.
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