The ARC Concept
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To develop citizen leaders, as stated in the university's mission, the faculty at IWU created ARC as a center for applied research. ARC brings students and faculty together to facilitate research projects in partnerships that serve our community and promote our quality of life.
Action Research Center Mission Statement
The Action Research Center (ARC) at Illinois Wesleyan University provides students with a set of experiences and skills necessary for applied research projects in the community. ARC also assists as a clearinghouse and referral service to facilitate student-faculty-community partnerships.
What is action research?
Action research, done collaboratively by students, faculty, and community partners:
- addresses questions and issues identified by community and university partners;
- develops action plans that apply directly to the community; and
- connects members of multiple communities in common projects that benefit democratic society.
ARC's Role in Transforming IWU's Student Body
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ARC's internal research indicated that many IWU students miss or resist the "professional golden road" of medical school, law school, and the CPA exam. ARC helps capture the passion of these neglected students by showing them the "civic golden road" of life long leadership, whether on non-profit boards, citizen groups, or firms in the private sector.
"One of the things that has been clear is that students obviously build a resume that shows that they're able to manage and work within a business environment, but they also are able to show that they care and give back to the community. They're making significant differences in communities today." -Tom Laxton of State Farm |