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Ready Day 1 (Georgia Southern University-2023)

Strategy/Project Name: 
Ready Day 1
Momentum Area: 
Purpose
Pathways
Mindset
Strategy/Project Description: 

College-wide intentional Career Readiness curriculum built into non-Core foundation courses across Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior classes with specific course-based assessments for credit to enable students to engage with a professional development arc beginning during their first year. This is paired with an Opt-In Career Readiness co-curricular certification program.

Summary of Activities: 

 Completed first year pilot program in AY23.  Currently active for Fall 2023 and continuing through spring 2024 at the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. 

Activity Status: 
Evaluation/Assessment plan: 

Evaluation Plan and measures: Identify appropriate major courses, employ OPD Focus assessments, and require reflection subjective writing or presentation from students as key assessment measures.

Baseline measure: 1 course per major or program within the college to require Career Readiness assessment.

Goal or targets: All students in identified courses will complete the appropriate measure.

Time period/duration: Each term/academic year.

Progress and Adjustments: 

6858 students (32.6% of the university’s total undergraduate population) received a Ready Day curriculum module in AY23 as part of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences Ready Day 1 academic experience.  Pre/post survey results showed significant increases in student confidence levels in professionalism/ networking (+78%), interview skills (+39%), and job search skills (+85%).

Plan for the Year Ahead: 

Ready Day 1 career readiness curriculum was updated and implemented in College of Behavioral & Social Sciences for AY24.  Defining requirements for customized Ready Day 1 experience for the College of Arts and Humanities for Fall 2024.   Beginning Fall 2024 Waters College of Health Professions, and Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health will require select cohorts to complete 3 credit career readiness classes taught by Office of Career and Professional Development (GSU 2131/2132).

Primary Contact: 
Glenn Gibney, Associate Vice President for Career Readiness