Our students continue to be engaged in a variety of experiential learning opportunities, both at the undergraduate and graduate level, including participating in research and doing applied work through practicum experiences and internships. Our students also have opportunities to take on leadership roles within our programs through discipline specific student organizations: The Human Development and Family Science Student Association and The Applied Family Science Graduate Organization. We are pleased to bring you these updates from our student groups.
The Human Development and Family Science Association (HDFSA) is an organization designed to benefit all students in HDFS. The goal of the organization is to unite students and provide leadership opportunities, resources, and service to the community and the university. The HDFSA has one meeting and one community service project each month of the academic year. This fall two meetings focused specifically on issues related to professional development. The first meeting discussed the importance of gaining experience through volunteering and internships and included speakers from organizations in the Manhattan area such as CASA, Wonder Workshop, and Shepherd’s Crossing. The second professional development meeting focused on K-State Career Center’s services for students and navigating careers in HDFS. Community service events have included activities with the residents at Stoneybrook Retirement Community, working at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and sponsoring a young man who has aged out of the foster care system and his family during the Christmas season.
This year the Applied Family Science students created the Applied Family Science Graduate Organization to provide support and opportunities for students to connect and collaborate. All currently enrolled Applied Family Science students are welcome to participate in the organization by attending monthly meetings; attending social, professional development, and fundraising events; and by voting for or serving on the Executive Committee members. During the 2018-2019 academic year, the organization held a conference presentation practice session for graduate students presenting at national conferences, implemented program-wide writing time for students, and provided opportunities for students to collaborate on research and writing projects.