High Impact Learning

Ball State University seeks to provide each undergraduate student a premier educational experience. As such, a strategic imperative, as defined by our strategic plan, is that every student will complete at least one course that includes one of the following high-impact practices.

Undergraduate Research

Students are engaged in all stages of the pursuit of important questions including the initial stage of design to data collection, analysis, and dissemination of results.

Mentors provide systems of accountability and structure that create a framework beyond the boundaries of a traditional classroom with the goal of enabling students to develop expertise in communication, in the use of cutting-edge technologies, and in critical thought.

Engagement by students in relevant, authentic research has the potential to exert profound influence on their careers.

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Immersive Learning

Immersive learning projects are high-impact learning experiences that involve collaborative student-driven teams, guided by faculty mentors.

Students earn credit for working with community partners such as businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies to address community challenges through the creation of a product that has a lasting impact.

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Study Abroad

Provide an opportunity to engage in some portion of study (either partial or full semester) in an off-campus setting (i.e., another city, state or country).

Study abroad incorporates credit-bearing academic programs outside of the United States including classroom study, research, intern- or externships, and service learning.

Study away refers to academic activities within the United States. For example, field studies that take students off campus for a week or more would qualify.

The location of study must be central to the course objectives. One-day field trips do not constitute study abroad/away experiences.

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Help students explore cultures, life experiences, and worldviews different from their own.

These studies—which may address U.S. diversity, world cultures, or both—often explore “difficult differences” such as racial, ethnic, and gender inequality, or continuing struggles around the globe for human rights, freedom, and power.