College of Science and Mathematics

High Impact Practices in CSM

At the College of Science and Mathematics, we continuously strive to improve student success both within the classroom and beyond. With a diverse student populations one of the ways the CSM enables student to achieve their full potential is through High Impact Practices. 

High Impact Practices (also commonly referred to as HIPs)  is a term used to encompass educational teaching practices that - based on evidence - confer "significant educational benefits for students who participate in them—including and especially those from demographic groups historically underserved by higher education." (AAC&U, 2023) These practices are designed to provide students with meaningful and lasting experiences that go beyond traditional classroom instruction to enhance student engagement, retention, and learning outcomes.

Students are encouraged to seek out and participate in a variety of HIPs throughout their college time. Faculty are encouraged to implement and offer students opportunities to participate in HIPs. Admin and Staff are encouraged to support and assist students and faculty to promote expansion and sustainability of these valuable experiences. 

 

"With strong support from the National Science Foundation and the research community, scientists are reshaping their courses to connect key concepts and questions with students’ early and active involvement in systematic investigation and research. The goal is to involve students with actively contested questions, empirical observation, cutting-edge technologies, and the sense of excitement that comes from working to answer important questions." High Relevance and Opportunites within the college of science and math. Two main sources of undergraduate research: Traditional Undergraduate Research Experiences and Course Based Undergraduate Research Experiences.

Learn More about Undergraduate Research

Learn more about CUREs

 

First-year experiences are typically small, focused courses designed to help first-year students transition to college successfully. They place a strong emphasis on critical inquiry, frequent writing, information literacy, collaborative learning, and other skills relevant to promoting student success within the course and throughout thier college career. The seminars create a supportive environment where students can connect with peers, faculty, and advisors, which can be particularly important for those new to the college experience. At CSM, students are highly recommended (and for most degrees automatically enrolled) to participate in the BOND program.

Learn more about First Year Experiences within CSM

 

Encouraging students to work in teams or groups on assignments or projects promotes teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Providing opportunities for students to gain real-world experience in their chosen field, internships enhance their professional development and networking.

Students engage in community service projects that are integrated into their coursework. This connects classroom learning to real-world issues and promotes civic engagement.

Capstone courses are typically taken near the end of a student's academic program. They require students to integrate and apply knowledge gained throughout their college career to a significant project or problem. This demonstrates their proficiency and mastery of the subject matter.

 

These experiences involve shared readings, discussions, or projects that all students participate in, often in their first year. The goal is to create a sense of academic community, encouraging students to explore ideas, engage in critical discussions, and develop a foundation of common knowledge.

NOTE: These interventions have been suggested as possible High Impact Practices. They contain the characteristics of a High Impact Practice and tend to implement active learning techniques.

Learn More about the Proposed High Impact Practices in CSM