For Parents
To: Chicago Semester Parents
From: Clinton Stockwell, Director, Chicago Semester
Welcome:
First of all, I want to thank you for the confidence that you place in us to work with your son or daughter for the upcoming semester. We are glad for the opportunity to assist them as they pursue their personal and professional goals here in Chicago. As you may know, we have been doing this for 36 years, and we are delighted to have the honor and responsibility of working with the many outstanding young men and women who have come our way. We do not take this responsibility lightly.
The City:
Chicago Semester embraces the city of Chicago, and we explore the city as a program using it as our learning laboratory. Students work in the city, use the CTA transit system, and our art events and classes utilize the rich resources of the city in our curriculum for learning and entertainment. Students typically go to several sports events in the city over the course of the semester, and each week we sponsor an arts activity provided by local institutions such as the Goodman Theater, the Chicago Symphony or the Art Institute of Chicago.
Our Internship Site Process:
Our staff begins working with the students as soon as we get their applications. 1) Our Special Track instructors (for Social Workers, Student Teachers and Nursing students) place students more directly. Student Teachers and BSW (Social work) students visit Chicago the semester before they plan to study, so that an internship can be finalized allowing them to complete the hours required of them. 2) For General Students (everyone else), we develop a profile of each student and highlight his or her interests and career goals. With this information we “market” each Chicago Semester student to prospective internship sites, trying to get as close as possible to the ideal work situation desired. During orientation week, each student will interview at 2 – 3 sites. This gives the student and the internship site a chance to meet, and it provides the opportunity for the student to make the best choice possible. If both the student and the internship site “choose” each other, our experience is that the relationship will be a mutually beneficial and successful one. Students then develop an Internship Learning Contract that spells out job tasks and student learning goals.
Our Support System:
Each student is assigned a Practicum Group Leader (PGL) or a professional track Supervisor and Group Leader (if student teacher, nursing student or social worker) to assist and support the student, and to provide guidance and to give constructive feedback and evaluation throughout the semester. The Practicum Group Leaders check in on the student at least once a week, and the student is encouraged to contact the Practicum Group Leader for any reason. This arrangement provides a support system and a means for ongoing evaluation for each student. We also distribute guidelines, expectations and suggestions for them in our Orientation Handbook. This helps each student understand better what is required, and what contributes to a successful semester in the city.
Housing:
We have developed relationships with two or three locations in the city for student housing. Each housing option is affordable, comfortable and safe. Each one has a 24-hour doorman or comparable staff person on hand to insure that only those persons who have registered enter the building where they stay. We are committed not only to the safety of each student, but we strive to insure each student has the best optimal experience while in the city. Housing is of course a critical aspect to their being in the city, even if for a short period of time.
The University Pass: Travel in the City:
Every student on the Chicago Semester receives a U-Pass (University Pass) allowing unrestricted use of the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) buses and trains. During Orientation Week, the staff introduces the U-Pass program to the students so that they can navigate the city safely and efficiently. The U-Pass, available to students from a number of universities in Chicago, provides the opportunity for students to move about the city cheaply and safely while on the Chicago Semester program.
Office Space and Chicago Semester Classes:
Our office space is located in the Loop, downtown Chicago, just two blocks west of the Art Institute of Chicago. A few years ago, we were able to procure the office space at 11 East Adams with a build-out suitable for staff and student needs. The space is attractive, hospitable and functional with three classrooms, a café, lounge, library and 15 computers for student use. Classes are held here three days a week, and numerous other formal and informal group gatherings are hosted here as well.
The classes are taught by persons who have the requisite academic preparation. Staff and faculty bios are viewable on the program website. They are also persons hired because of their deep faith commitment and their awareness of the city and its unique dynamics. Chicago Semester’s 36 years of experience, competent staff, safe housing, and a program designed to support each student as s/he pursues his or her respective calling is a commitment of the Chicago Semester staff and its sponsors.
Thank you again for placing your trust in us on behalf of your daughter or son. If you have questions or suggestions for us, please do not hesitate to contact me at your convenience.
Sincerely,
Clinton E. Stockwell, Ph.D.
Executive Director