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Our Work

Our Work in the Office of Applied Learning & High Impact Practices is focused on providing support for the development, implementation, and assessment of applied learning and HIPs. In addition to the special initiatives supported by the office, there are several regular initiatives described below.

  • Applied Learning Summer Institute

    The Applied Learning Summer Institute (ALSI) was an integral component of the QEP focused on applied learning (ETEAL) and has been an annual opportunity to engage in professional development and celebration of applied learning at UNCW since 2013. Although the format has varied from year-to-year, each ALSI has provided opportunities for individuals who are engaged in applied learning to meet, share ideas, and inspire new and innovative approaches to our work.

    The Applied Learning Summer Institute 2025 is in development, so please check back for future updates!

  • What is CCURE?

    The Community College Undergraduate Research Experience (CCURE) is a new initiative at UNCW that is intended to open pathways to undergraduate research for community college students prior to transferring to a 4-year institution. Started in Spring 2021 with partners from Cape Fear CC, Craven CC, and Lenoir CC, CCURE provides community college students with an introductory-level applied research experience that is taught by a community college instructor and supported by a UNCW faculty mentor.

    The primary goal for CCURE is to provide students with exposure to an undergraduate research experience prior to transferring to a 4-year institution in order to build confidence and experience in engaging in undergraduate research (or other high impact practices) after transferring.

    In addition to helping community college transfer students succeed, CCURE is framed around a partnership model that encourages direct engagement between CC and UNCW instructors. Thus, a secondary goal is to provide opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration to develop among stakeholders.

    Check out our CCURE Page for more information, Community College partners, and CCURE News!

  • The Office of Applied Learning partners with the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) to support the District C fellowship program first piloted in Spring 2021.

    The fellowship supports faculty members from UNCW to participate in the District C coaching institute and earn District C certification. Fellows implement the District C model in their own teaching or engagement experiences for students after certification. District C provides a model for engaging students in solving real world problems.

    The District C model relies on expert coaching and diverse teams of students to solve real problems for real businesses. The District C model has 4 critical parts: flexible mindsets and tools, diverse teams & real problems, purposeful coaching, and smart implementation.

    Central to the model is a Coaching Institute where future adopters of the District C model engage in an applied approach to not only learn about the model but experience it as students in its implementation.

    Undergraduate Research: First-Year Research Experience (FYRE) & Community College Undergraduate Research Experience (CCURE)

    The Office of Applied Learning partners with the Center for the Support of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CSURF) and the Honors College to support the First-Year Research Experience (FYRE) first piloted in spring 2018.

    FYRE engages first-year students in research opportunities in order to educate them about the basics of research and to expose them to a potential pathway for engagement. In spring 2021 the collaboration expanded to include the Community College Undergraduate Research Experience (CCURE), which invites community college students to participate in a FYRE section while still enrolled at their respective community college.

    CCURE seeks to open pathways to undergraduate research for community college students who may otherwise be disadvantaged after transferring.

Applied Learning Awards

The Applied Learning Pivot Award is offered to recognize excellence in transitioning an applied learning experience in an effort to adapt to the challenges presented by COIVD-19. The nominee can include an individual or a group that has collaborated on a single applied learning initiative that was adapted.

2021 Winner: Amy Long, Environmental Sciences

Adapted Course: EVSL 195: Environmental Sciences Lab&

The Applied Learning Project of the Year Award is recognizes excellence in an individual applied learning project. The nominee can include an individual or group that has collaborated on a single applied learning initiative. One award is given annually.

2021 Winner: Interdisciplinary Minority Student Research Group (IMSRG)

Project Team: Josalin Hunter (Social Work), Sabrina Cherry (HAHS), Addie China (English), Kris Hohn (Social Work), Anka Roberto (Nursing) and Alicia Sellon (Social Work)

The Excellence in Applied Learning Award recognizes excellence in and demonstrated commitment to the integration of the UNCW model of applied learning into teaching and pedagogy. Awardees will have a history of leadership and contribution to applied learning.

Award is intended for a full-time faculty or staff member who has been an ambassador of applied learning on campus and in the community.

2021 Winner: Jacquelyn Lee, Social Work

AL & HIPs Fellows

Fellows are critical to the work of the office and are invited to bring their disciplinary expertise and experience into their work. Fellows support programming, strategic planning, and assessment of applied learning and HIPs. Fellows also facilitate workshops, including the Applied Learning Summer Institute, and work collaboratively with students, colleagues, and community partners.

Current Fellows

Assessment and Strategic Planning

Sarah Gaby, Assistant Professor of Sociology & Criminology

CLIMB (Coalition for Leadership, Inclusive Mentorship, and Belonging) Fellows

Josalin Hunter, Assistant Professor of Social Work
Addie Sayers, Asosciate Professor of English
Kris Hohn, Associate Professor of Social Work

Arts-Integrated Learning (In Partnership with Community Engagement)

Madison Creech, Lecturer in Art & Art History

Global Learning (In Partnership with Community Engagement

Alexia Franzidis, Associate Professor of SHAHS

District C Coaching and Training 

Lance Cummings, Professor of English

CCURE Support Fellow

Kristi Wiley, CCURE Support

HIPs Curriculum Development

Stefanie Norris, Director of Strategic Enrollment Initiatives and Transfer Pathways
Jaime Russell, Director of Student Community Engagement