How Oswego uses students in experiential learning as ambassadors with their One City. One Campus. One Community.
Dr. Jessica M. Harris, Assistant Professor Department of Health Promotion and Wellness, Acting Associate Director Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, and Faculty Sponsor for Internships in HPW at SUNY Oswego
Overview
The community aspect of experiential learning emphasizes building strong, equitable relationships between educational institutions and their surrounding communities to foster collaboration, mutual growth, and meaningful impact. Key goals include strengthening town-gown connections, engaging local stakeholders in hands-on learning opportunities, and showcasing diverse innovations that benefit students and communities. By aligning experiential learning with community priorities such as sustainability, workforce development, and equity, these initiatives contribute to shared success. These efforts position experiential learning as a powerful tool for community resilience, economic growth, and shared progress.
Case Study
At SUNY Oswego, One City. One Campus. One Community. Is a photo essay project launched in 2023 as the inaugural initiative of the Campus-City Relations Committee (CCRC) to strengthen and celebrate the partnerships between SUNY Oswego and the City of Oswego. The project was designed to highlight these collaborations’ positive impact on students and the local community. It features portraits of students and graduates engaged in internships and work experiences and essays that tell the stories behind these partnerships and their broader community impact. By blending photography and narrative, the project emphasizes the value of experiential learning and the importance of fostering strong town-gown relationships. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to equity, engagement, and community building, supported by the leadership of the CCRC, SUNY Oswego staff, and local officials, establishing a meaningful connection between the university and the surrounding community.
The One City. One Campus. One Community. initiative at SUNY Oswego addresses equity and access through representation and inclusion by showcasing portraits and essays of students and graduates from diverse backgrounds; the initiative highlights underrepresented voices and unique challenges and fosters inclusion and belonging within the campus and local community. The initiative also highlights community engagement and support through the collaboration between SUNY Oswego and the City of Oswego, demonstrating a shared responsibility to address community needs and support student success. This town-gown partnership strengthens access to local resources and creates a supportive environment for students to thrive.
Impact on Student and Campus
The One City. One Campus. One Community. photo-essay project has a meaningful impact on students and the SUNY Oswego campus by strengthening connections with the local community. For students, working with community organizations through this project allows them to put classroom learning into practice in real-world settings. By combining creative storytelling and photography, they not only highlight their internship and work experiences but also gain a deeper appreciation for the community’s needs and contributions. This experience helps students recognize their role as active participants in the community, building valuable skills like communication, cultural awareness, and career readiness that will benefit them well beyond their time at SUNY Oswego.
At the campus level, this project highlights the university’s dedication to experiential learning and its essential role in supporting community development. Collaborating with local businesses, schools, and nonprofits highlights the mutual benefits of strong university-community partnerships. These connections enhance academic programs by offering students meaningful, hands-on learning experiences while also addressing real community needs. The project fosters a sense of pride and belonging among students, faculty, and community members, reinforcing SUNY Oswego’s identity as an institution that values innovation, equity, and collaboration. Through these efforts, the university strengthens its reputation as a hub for community-driven education and engagement.
Adaptability
One City. One Campus. One Community. can be adapted to other campuses to highlight and strengthen their community partnerships. The following steps can be utilized:
1. Identify Key Partnerships and Community Impact Areas: Collaborate with community organizations, businesses, schools, or nonprofits where students are already engaged through internships, volunteer programs, or employment.
2. Engage Diverse Academic Disciplines: Involve multiple departments and pair visual arts or communications students with those studying education, health, social sciences, or other relevant fields to create a cross-disciplinary initiative.
3. Develop a Creative Framework: Use visual and written narratives to illustrate the impact of campus-community collaborations. Highlight students’ experiences and involvement and connect them to academic learning and real-world application.
4. Build Institutional Support: Form a steering committee by assembling faculty, staff, and community representatives to guide the project.
5. Focus on Scalability and Flexibility: Start small with a pilot project featuring a few partnerships and expand as resources and capacity grow.
6. Prioritize Equity and Inclusivity: Highlight diverse voices, stories, and partnerships that reflect the diversity of the community and student body.
Additional Resources
- https://ww1.oswego.edu/ccrc-project
- One City. One Campus. One Community. SUNY Oswego’s website highlights the initiative with visuals and photo essays.
- https://stpp.fordschool.umich.edu/research/research-report/community-partnerships-playbook
- The University of Michigan outlines a “Community Partnerships Playbook: How to Create Equitable Partnerships between Technical and Community Experts,” which can help find ways to engage the local community.
- https://narrativearts.org/story-guide/
- A resource offering techniques to craft compelling narratives that highlight diverse voices and community contributions.