The Student Engagement Committee (SEC) is an IPS organization that\u00a0meets every other week to plan upcoming events and discuss ways to continue to make IPS even better than what it is currently. The group is made up of students\u00a0from various degree programs, faculty and staff. This includes:<\/p>\n
The SEC was initially formed because it was something IPS students wanted.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a student initiative in order to find ways to connect with students in other programs and as a way to improve communication across all levels,” said Dr. Jones.<\/p>\n
Dr. Jones went on to say that the initial impulse of the SEC was to improve communication between IPS administrators and students, but that it has grown into so much more.<\/p>\n
“Enhancing communication is a component, but it\u2019s really about building relationships where those communications occur by providing people opportunities to develop relationships with people they might not otherwise meet. One of its goals is to foster that sense of community,” added Dr. Jones.<\/p>\n
The SEC is only a couple years old, but has already contributed a lot to the IPS community. The SEC plans all the student parties and is currently planning this year’s graduation celebration. The SEC also reviews applications for the Alpha Sigma Nu honor society\u00a0and applications for IPS student travel grants. Furthermore, the new\u00a0“Lunch ‘N Learn” event was a recent development from the SEC and a previous initiative includes the IPS newsletter that is sent out regularly.<\/p>\n
There are several\u00a0students that make up the SEC and each joined to help enhance IPS during their time here.<\/p>\n
\u201cI primarily joined because I wanted to be part of the planning for the commissioning because I\u2019m graduating in May,” said Rebekah Turnbaugh (SJ). “I really do want students to be involved in everything. I want there to be more of a student voice in the Institute of Pastoral Studies. That was my motivation, but I don\u2019t know if that’s the case for everybody.\u201d<\/p>\n
Patrice Nerone (PC & MDiv) said her motivation for joining the SEC was “the idea that [she] would have an opportunity to have [her] voice be part of IPS and have an active role in helping improve IPS.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, the way IPS is set up has led to some difficulties\u00a0when it comes to fostering this kind of environment, but the SEC is up to the challenge.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to be very intentional about creating community for a few reasons: we are a professional school with a diverse student body, we\u2019ve got people online and on site, and we don\u2019t really have a common gathering space,” commented Dr. Jones. “We need everybody\u2019s mind in the game. [SEC is]\u00a0a pretty diverse group with people in different degree plans, so if we can come up with something that would interest us, maybe that would translate into more people in the community being interested. We want people to have a real sense of belonging and to do more that just their required degree work.\u201d<\/p>\n
The SEC has a few goals including:\u00a0building community, enhancing\u00a0communication\u00a0and increasing student involvement.<\/p>\n
Rebekah said she believes the goal is \u201cgetting people to be more connected between programs and have them be more integrated into the lifeblood of IPS.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Jones added that it is also \u201cto make it easy for faculty administrators to include the student voice in what\u2019s going on and decisions that are being made.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Student Engagement Committee (SEC) seeks to cooperate in and contribute to a vibrant and constructive environment where students are integrated into the very form and function of the Institute of Pastoral Studies (IPS), where theory and praxis meet, and where students, staff, and faculty work alongside one another for the care and formation of those in relationship with IPS and in the pursuit of peace and justice in the world around us.<\/p>\n SEC Mission Statement<\/strong><\/p>\n The missions of the SEC is to create a space where students, faculty, and staff can collaborate with one another in furthering the mission of the IPS, nurture the development of pastoral, discernment, and leadership skills, and foster relationships among students, alumni, and the community.<\/p>\n If you would like more information or are interested in joining the Student Engagement Committee, please contact Dr. Peter Jones\u00a0at pjones5@luc.edu\u00a0or any of your fellow students who are already members!\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The Student Engagement Committee (SEC) is an IPS organization that\u00a0meets every other week to plan upcoming events and discuss ways to continue to make IPS even better than what it is currently. The group is made up of students\u00a0from various degree programs, faculty and staff. This includes: Dr. Peter Jones (Chair) Dr. Michael Canaris Dr. read more
\nSEC Vision Statement<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nJoin the conversation by\u00a0following\u00a0@BrianSchmisek<\/a>\u00a0on Twitter and\u00a0@LoyolaIPS<\/a>\u00a0on Instagram! Also, network with the\u00a0Loyola Chicago IPS<\/a>\u00a0community on LinkedIn.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"