Trek Program Overview

Trek incorporates distinctive, experience-based programs for students to enhance self-knowledge and social awareness through career and graduate school preparation, intercultural exchange, and civic engagement. With this purpose in mind, and by utilizing High-Impact Educational Practices identified by AAC&U to have significant educational benefits, Trek provides opportunities:

1. To integrate experiential learning into our traditional academic context so students can link classroom learning with practical application.
2. To understand that social interaction is an integral part of education.
3. To recognize students’ roles as citizens and leaders responsible for meeting the challenges facing a changing world.
4. To realize that personal reflection about engagement with the world beyond the classroom can lead to self-knowledge and social awareness.

 

The Trek Committee

The Trek committee administers faculty policies related to Trek degree requirements: Credo (TREK 115), Community (TREK 151/153), Career (TREK 250/251/253), and Culture (TREK 300/351). The Trek committee approves proposed courses and independent projects that meet the criteria for the career exploration, intercultural experience and/or the service-learning requirement according to stated guidelines. The faculty Director of the first-year TREK program (TREK 115) oversees that program, seeking input from the full committee as needed. The committee shall report all of its actions promptly to the faculty, normally through minutes and reports at faculty meetings.

The Trek Committee is comprised of:

• four (4) faculty members: one elected by each Division and the Faculty Director of the first-year Trek Program (Credo); one (1) elected faculty member serves as Chair
• the three (3) Directors of Career Services, Community Engagement, and Intercultural Engagement
• one (1) student representative
• one (1) ex-officio representative from the Office of the Provost

 

The Trek Components

Centenary in Paris
(2-4 credits)

Centenary in Paris, the college’s first-year study abroad program, integrates practices shown to promote success in college, including high-impact learning practices* that are proven to increase the time and effort students spend on educationally purposeful activities. These practices include:

• Interactions with Faculty and Peers about substantive academic matters  
• Experiences with diversity and global learning*  
• Structured opportunities to reflect and integrate learning*  
• Collaborative Assignments and Projects*  

^{*as defined by the AAC&U}

Credo
(4 credits)

This writing-intensive seminar allows first-year students to explore their values and beliefs, particularly in the context of their academic ambitions. Trek begins with an exploration of self and society and provides ample opportunities to develop the fundamental knowledge, skills, and insights that will best prepare students for the adventures ahead.

Community
(0-1 credit)

The Community component of Trek combines rigorous academic coursework with community service and includes written and/or oral reflection for academic credit. The Trek Committee recommends that students complete the Community component by the end of the sophomore year to avoid delaying progress toward graduation.

Career
(0-2 credits)

The Career component of Trek helps students to gain critical career-related skills and to undertake systematic inquiry and analysis of potential careers. The Trek Committee recommends that students complete the Career component by the end of the junior year to maximize internship opportunities and to avoid delaying progress toward graduation.

Culture
(0-4 credits)

Students gain personal and intellectual insights through immersion and direct interaction with, or advanced knowledge of, different cultures in the Culture component. These experiences enable understanding of how one’s own values, beliefs, heritage, and history shape an individual’s view of the people and situations encountered at home or abroad, which strengthens students’ ability to communicate, work, and live with others.