One way to expand our ability to support students is by applying for grants that allow us to build new and impactful programs. At the Steps to Leaps Summit, we recognized two faculty members who leveraged grants to find additional funding to implement amazing programs. With their alignment to the Steps to Leaps pillars and purpose, they offer a great opportunity to see Steps to Leaps in action.
Lakshmy Mohandas, associate instructional developer for teaching success, was the recipient of a National Science Foundation grant to expand accessibility of learning through blended synchronous instruction of face-to-face and remote students. Mohandas seeks to improve STEM education for undergraduate students by examining how a problem-centered course focus can be delivered in an effective way using a combination of face-to-face and online approaches. A nomination for the Steps to Leaps Academic Integration award described Mohandas as “an effective, skilled educator committed to student support and student center pedagogy. The deep empathy and genuine concern for the well-being of the students in one-on-one, group or class settings creates a safe and supportive environment for student to be their best selves.”
We also recognized Evan Perrault, associate professor of communication, for his work on the “Napkin Campaign.” Working in conjunction with Student Life Marketing, a series of eight messages were printed on more than 8 million napkins to promote mindfulness and connect with students using dining halls during mealtimes.
Perrault helped coordinate the grant from the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction from 2017 – 21 that supported this program. He implemented a new program that he knew would positively impact the well-being of students and this was the result. Assessment of the program revealed that 97% of students who dined in-person indicated that they were aware of the napkin messaging, a very high level of message exposure. Results also indicated significant changes in beliefs and perceptions. For example, students came away from the program with an increased level of self-efficacy for keeping a phone out of sight while speaking with someone.
This work was not done alone. Perrault engaged in partnerships with Recreation & Wellness as well as his students. For this program, students helped design and create the napkins!
There are so many opportunities to use the tenets of Steps to Leaps and the pillar language to connect grant language to the work we’re doing at Purdue to support and educate our students. Being intentional with language tied to a campus initiative like Steps to Leaps can bring an added depth to grant proposals. As you are developing new programs, make sure you are thinking about Steps to Leaps and partnerships.