Examples of Good Practice from Adelphi University

Levermore Global Scholars

Levermore Global Scholars (LGS) fosters leadership in a learning community of socially active, civically conscious, and globally minded students. Students apply for admission into the LGS program which admits 40 undergraduates annually. Levermore Global Scholars take a normal course load and select any approved Adelphi major/minor. LGS participants meet in LGS seminars, which are small groups of no more than 22 students that are discussion-based and writing intensive. These seminars complement students’ work within their majors, and are designed to explore the connection between academic learning and civic engagement between political, social, economic and cultural issues along with their global dimension and impact. LGS seminars will satisfy all or part of Adelphi’s general education requirements and, in some cases, specific major requirements. LGS credited community internships, activities related to Adelphi’s United Nations NGO status, and study abroad programs enrich the LGS academic curriculum.

Levermore Global Scholars make strong bonds with each other through their seminars, community oriented projects and their initiatives. Levermore Global Scholars have different majors, but they share the same passion about community and volunteer work, social and cultural initiatives, and learning by doing. Examples of student initiatives by LGS scholars involve the community computer coverage initiative that involves collecting and refurbishing used computers and donating them to local communities in need as well as organizing collection and distribution of unserved food on campus and from local schools for charity organizations in the region.

Collaboration Projects: (2007-8: Women, Peace and Justice, 2008-9: ICAN-Imagine Change, Act Now)

Founded in 2007 by faculty, students, staff, administrators, and members of the broader community, the Adelphi University Collaboration Project developed as a means to support efforts related to social awareness and issues of peace and justice. Each year those participating will select a different theme and a new leadership team. The project and activities are guided by these principles: Inclusion–Emphasis on cross-constituency participation supporting the active involvement and leadership of marginalized and underrepresented groups; Education: Fostering understanding about historical, contemporary and future global and local contexts and issues; Engagement: Democratic and civic involvement, service and action; Reflection: Ongoing analysis of process, representations and outcomes; Celebration: Joyful and creative recognitions and expressions; and Collaboration: Learning from and supporting each other’s experiences, efforts and concerns.

In 2007, the Adelphi Collaboration Project launched the Women, Peace and Justice Project, a diverse series of activities highlighting women’s leadership in working for global peace and social justice, historically and currently. The project involves multiple campus constituencies in a collaborative and interdisciplinary effort that educates about gender, peace and justice, and brings to light work that often remains invisible.

In the fall of 2008, ICAN: Imagine Change, Act Now! will take place. ICAN is a forum for a wide-ranging series of events, actions and activities highlighting contemporary and historical work for social change related to basic human rights.

International Initiatives at Adelphi

The International Initiatives Committee (IIC) actively promotes global awareness through conferences, workshops, and cultural events. Its highly regarded Ambassador Series brings international experts to campus to share their perspective on world events. Robert A. Scott, president of Adelphi University, serves as co-chair. Other members include faculty and visiting professors.

The IIC seek to broaden global awareness by: expanding in-class and open-audience presentations by ambassadors and non-governmental organizations (NGOs); developing campus-based art and film series, musical and theatrical performances, and special lecture events dedicated to international themes; establishing new international affiliations and student exchange opportunities.

This page is part of a series of Examples of Good Practice.