FUTURE Act
Abstracts of Activities
Strengthening Disability Support Services
Activity Director: Glennis Daniels-Bacchus
Disability Support Services ensure that students with disabilities have full access to all programs, services, and activities at the University. This office also seeks to educate faculty, staff, and administrators regarding disabilities to create higher sensitivity toward individuals who are disabled. Moreover, we strive to provide the necessary support systems, tools and skills for effective communication throughout the campus community.
Enhancing Academic Classroom Renovations and Upgrades
Activity Director: Chartez Bond
Assess the capabilities of current technologies to promote efficiency and effectiveness in administrative and academic processes. Continue to develop a campus infrastructure and enhance student development, living and learning environments, and innovative instructional practices
Enhancing Teacher Education Preparation
Activity Director: Dr. Lynn Long
On April 23, 2019, the SBOE approved the adoption of the Praxis Performance Assessment for Teachers (PPAT) and Pearson’s educative performance assessment, edTPA. Either of these tests will replace the current Praxis Principles for Learning and Teaching (PLT) assessments are the performance-based assessments required for ALL teaching licensure areas. We chose edTPA because Maryland developed a state-wide collaborative known as the MD edTPA Collaborative, where support is given to those Universities new to edTPA. Additionally, we have been using Lessoncast for the past five years, which is a similar model to edTPA. The purpose of this framework is influenced by several factors, which include State policy, support systems for mentors, faculty, teacher candidates, and supervisors, professional development for each entity, and curricular changes.
Enhancing Undergraduate Nursing
Activity Director: Donna Morgan
The Professional Studies Undergraduate Nursing Support Program activity helps students develop meaningful educational plans that aid in retention and lead to timely graduation. Additionally, this activity will assist students in passing the nursing licensure exam, which will enable them to enter the workforce as Registered Nurses.
Enhancing Undergraduate Research and Entrepreneurship Through Experiential Learning
Activity Director: Julian Ajenifuja
The Undergraduate Research and Entrepreneurship Experience seeks to comprehensively support undergraduate learning, aligning with the university's goals of better preparing students for the workforce and further education. As noted by the Council for Undergraduate Research, participation in research and creative activities provides students with valuable skills highly sought after in the workplace. This initiative aims to equip students with essential research and design thinking skills, offering opportunities to engage with faculty mentorship during the academic year and in the summer through programs like the Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) and other internships. These activities will shift students towards a more active role in learning, allowing them to contribute to knowledge creation rather than simply absorbing information. The Undergraduate Research and Entrepreneurship Experience will provide professional exposure in fields such as science, technology, engineering, entrepreneurship, mathematics (STEEM), and other areas typically underrepresented by Black Americans and/or historically underrepresented individuals of color in STEEM. This initiative will also incorporate competencies essential for a career-ready workforce, expanding research practices with combined essential skills developed by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (e.g., career and self-development, communication, critical thinking, equity and inclusion, leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and technology). The program's outcomes and impact are evaluated annually.