About STEPS
Internships, Mentored Research, Study Abroad, and Leadership Development rest at the heart of ABAC’s mission to provide students with relevant experiences that prepare them for life after graduation. In support of these opportunities, ABAC offers a full suite of Student Engagement (STEPS) Programs. Through active participation in the STEPS program, students can expect to apply their academic work in practical ways, participate in impactful events that develop professional skills, and grow through various engaged learning experiences.
Engaged learning opportunities play a key role in every student’s educational experience at ABAC. It’s these experiences that set ABAC apart from other colleges and universities!
ABAC developed the STEPS Program as part of their Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) in 2017 with a focus on study abroad programs, mentored research opportunities with ABAC faculty, and in-the-field internships. In 2022, the STEPS program added an additional focus on leadership development that seeks to provide students with professional development opportunities beginning in their first year at ABAC. Through participation in each facet of the STEPS program, ABAC students can expect to develop knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to career and post-graduate success. Students will develop problem-solving skills, demonstrate their ability to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings and develop strong leadership skills that will carry into the professional world.
The STEPS student learning outcomes are:
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Students will communicate discipline content using conventions appropriate to a specific audience and purpose. (Verbal and Written Communication Skills)
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Students will demonstrate the skills, abilities, theories, or methodologies applied in new situations to solve problems or explore issues. (Problem-Solving Skills)
The goals of STEPS are the following:
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STEPS will provide adequate resources, tools, support, and guidance to its students and faculty to facilitate engaged learning experiences;
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STEPS will increase the number of students doing internships, completing mentored research projects, studying abroad, and actively participating in regular professional and leadership development opportunities.
Handshake
ABAC Handshake stands as ABAC’s career services platform. Students will be able to create a professional profile, browse internship and job opportunities, and actively seek employment through the ABAC Handshake service.
Internships
As an institution, ABAC believes that on-the-job learning is a key component of a well-rounded education. As such, nearly all of our students will be required to participate in an internship prior to graduation. During an internship, students will have the opportunity to apply knowledge learned in the classroom in a real-world setting. ABAC is poised to help students find an internship and build connections during that experience!
Each of ABAC’s four schools has a designated Internship Coordinator. If you would like more information about the internship process or internship opportunities, please reach out to the Internship Coordinator designated for your school.
School of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Corey Lovell
clovell@abac.edu
229.391.4815
Stafford School of Business
Tia Kohler
tkohler@abac.edu
229.391.4830
School of Arts and Sciences
Kyle Basko
kbasko@abac.edu
229.391.4942
School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Internships within the School of Nursing and Health Sciences come in the form of clinical rotations within area hospitals. These rotations are built into the Nursing program and are structured to allow students to attend classes while also participating in the clinical process.
Reba Selph
rselph@abac.edu
229.391.5020
Mentored Research
ABAC has many faculty who have interests in conducting formal research to further their chosen field of study. As an ABAC student, you will have the opportunity to partner with these faculty to conduct groundbreaking research!
Mentored Research projects serve as an inquiry or investigation conducted by undergraduate students under the direct supervision of a faculty field expert. The faculty member will work collectively with the student to make a direct, intellectual contribution to the chosen area of study.
In order to conduct this research, many of these projects will first need to be reviewed by ABAC’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). These two groups ensure that all mentored research projects are complaint with local, state, and federal regulations and remove liability from the faculty and student.
All research projects that involve human subjects should visit the ABAC Institutional Review Board website for more information on the approval and submission process.
In addition, all research projects that will involve non-human vertebrates should visit the ABAC Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee website for more information on the approval and submission process.
STEPS Symposium
In keeping with the Council on Undergraduate Research, ABAC will be hosting the Sixth Annual STEPS Symposium on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.
The STEPS Symposium stands as a venue for ABAC students to showcase their mentored research in a format that is similar to professional conferences in the field. This year, we are seeking to expand the Symposium to a multiday event that would feature research from students across various disciplines. We plan to host sections on Business Plans, Literature Reviews, Vocal Performance, and more! We are actively working on finalizing the details for this year’s event and hope to publish official information at the beginning of the Spring 2023 semester.
Questions? Contact us at studentengagement@abac.edu.
Study Abroad
Are you ready to embark on an exciting adventure? Participating in a Study Abroad program can enhance your academic journey while helping you grow socially and culturally. Imagine immersing yourself in a new culture, discovering breathtaking places, meeting amazing people, and gaining fresh perspectives on life.
At ABAC, we’re thrilled to offer a variety of Study Abroad opportunities. Some are developed by faculty here at ABAC. Even more are available through the University System of Georgia USG Goes Global program. This fantastic initiative lets you study alongside fellow students from across the state. Want to learn more? Check out the details here: USG Goes Global.
Financial assistance is available for ABAC students through the Marsicano Study Abroad Scholarship as well as through other external scholarships, such as the Gilman Scholarship.
If you have any questions or need more information about Study Abroad at ABAC, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at studentengagement@abac.edu. Your adventure awaits!
STEPS Student Engagement Scholarship
ABAC is proud to offer a strong suite of Student Engagement Scholarships for students who are involved in engaged learning experiences.
Our goal is to assist students in participating in experiences that will enhance their overall educational experience. Any student wishing to apply for a STEPS Student Engagement Scholarship need only complete the application linked below. Students are encouraged to complete the scholarship application by October 5 prior to spring and summer study abroad programs, or at least 60 days prior to the start of any other engaged learning experience.
Should you have any questions about the application process, please contact us at studentengagement@abac.edu.