Gallaudet to participate in AAC&U Curriculum-to-Career Models project 

Gallaudet University is one of twelve institutions of higher education that have been selected by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) to participate in the Equitable and Inclusive Curriculum-to-Career Models project.  

This new two-year project builds on campus work initiated through AAC&U’s Curriculum-to-Career Innovations Institute and will assist campuses in designing and implementing equity-centered curricular models that connect student learning to career exploration, development of professional purpose, and acquisition of transferrable skills. The project is supported by a grant from Lumina Foundation. Ashley Finley, Vice President for Research and Senior Advisor to the President, will serve as project director. 

The other eleven schools participating in this project are Clark University, Dallas College, Lorain Community College, Loyola University Maryland, Michigan State University, Agnes Scott College, St. Edward’s University, St. Mary’s College of California, the University of Alaska at Anchorage, the University of Northern Colorado, and the University of Washington at Tacoma.  

“We are grateful to Lumina Foundation for recognizing the essential need to support faculty in identifying authentic connections between curricular goals and career preparation,” said AAC&U President Lynn Pasquerella. “This work is necessary for advancing higher education, student success, and our economy.” 

Dr. Julie Tibbitt, EdS ’18 & PhD ’20, director of the Gallaudet University Office for Career Success, said, “This will be a team effort because the career success of our students impacts all of our work. I am excited about working with faculty, staff, and students on this special initiative.” 

While the campus models developed through the project will be embedded in curricula, the implementation strategies will be designed to foster collaboration among multiple stakeholders, including faculty, career center directors, administrators, and industry leaders. Working in communities of practice, campus teams will utilize specific levers of institutional change, such as holistic advising, work-integrated pedagogies, and digital credentials and resources, to guide implementation strategies. A central goal of the resulting curriculum-to-career models will be to advance equity within student outcomes, evaluation, professional learning, and partnerships. 

The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) is a global membership organization dedicated to advancing the democratic purposes of higher education by promoting equity, innovation, and excellence in liberal education. Through our programs and events, publications and research, public advocacy, and campus-based projects, AAC&U serves as a catalyst and facilitator for innovations that improve educational quality and equity and that support the success of all students. In addition to accredited public and private, two-year, and four-year colleges and universities and state higher education systems and agencies throughout the United States, our membership includes degree-granting higher education institutions in more than 25 countries as well as other organizations and individuals.  

Read the full AAC&U news release.