University of Dubuque Receives $60K Grant to Strengthen Vocational Exploration

The University of Dubuque recently secured a $60,000, two-year Program Development Grant from the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) aimed at enhancing vocational exploration within its general education curriculum. This funding supports the university's mission to deepen students' understanding of vocation, character, purpose, and service through a collaborative approach in faculty development and curriculum design.

With a specific focus on World View Seminar II, the grant will allow the University of Dubuque to implement unified, consistent course modules that promote community-oriented service learning. By working closely with faculty to create a more cohesive curriculum, the initiative will reinforce students' engagement with critical concepts such as civic responsibility, global citizenship, and the integration of faith and values in addressing societal needs.

World View Seminar I and World View Seminar II form the foundation of this vocational journey for students. Seminar I, a requirement during the first semester, takes an introspective approach, encouraging students to explore their own sense of vocation, character, and purpose. The seminar operates with a common syllabus and provides structured support for faculty to ensure consistent outcomes across all sections. Building on this foundation, World View Seminar II then shifts focus outward, emphasizing community welfare, service, and the practical application of vocational insights. This second seminar challenges students to critically analyze their role in society, understand global issues, and integrate concepts of vocation and purpose into their broader worldview.

Supported by this NetVUE grant, the University of Dubuque will strengthen World View Seminar II by providing enhanced resources, including faculty advisory committees, focus groups, and online professional development. These elements will support faculty in delivering engaging, impactful modules and service-learning partnerships that elevate students’ understanding of community engagement. The approach aims to foster meaningful, reflective service experiences, encouraging students to consider the underlying causes of societal issues and explore realistic solutions within their communities.

According to the press release, NetVUE is a national network of 300 colleges and universities under the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), which aims to enrich vocational discernment in undergraduate education. Funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc., NetVUE empowers member institutions to innovate in the areas of vocation, purpose, and community-focused education. The University of Dubuque's collaboration with NetVUE will help ensure that first-year students, regardless of major, benefit from a curriculum that not only encourages self-discovery but also instills a lifelong commitment to service and purpose.

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This grant represents a significant step in making vocational learning experiential for students, fostering personal growth, and strengthening ties between the university and the broader community. Through this initiative, the University of Dubuque is poised to enhance the impact of its educational mission and develop leaders dedicated to meaningful civic engagement.