CORNERSTONES OF LEARNING

About the Program

The Cornerstone program offers EOU students the chance to enhance their classroom learning with experiences in each of the following four areas:

• Community Service Learning
• Research
• Intercultural or International Experiences
• Internships or Mentoring

Many students complete these cornerstones by taking EOU courses that offer Cornerstone opporunities, such as internships offered through Practicum courses, and research opportunies that form the core of the Capstone. Some students also go beyond the curriculum and search out Cornerstone opportunities on their own, with the help of an advisor, faculty, or with the help of one of our community partners..

Students can be nominated for Cornerstones by members of the EOU faculty, staff or an approved community or regional partner. However, you may also apply for a Cornerstone on your own. If you do follow this independent path, be sure to consult with members of the Cornerstone Program staff early on in the process. We need to know what you are doing.  You must complete no less than 25 hours in each of the four areas to qualify for the honor of a Cornerstone. Be sure to check out some examples of the work other students have done.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cornerstone Program?

EOU Cornerstone students participate in active and experiential learning in four areas.  This self initiated program allows students the opportunity to take an active role in their education, gain experience beyond the classroom, and demonstrate interest in their community and world.

What is the commitment?

EOU Cornerstone students commit to engage in each activity for a time period of 25 hours or more, perform preflection and reflection activities, and share what they have learned from each experience through communication with others.

What are the four areas?

Community Service Learning:  Making a substantial commitment to a community service agency encourages an active role in ones community and increased civic engagement which often lasts a lifetime.  Students may explore social issues, future career options, and/or community consciousness through community service.  The same community service project may meet the requirements for the Cornerstone Program and the Honors Program.  Opportunities are listed at www.eouvolunteer.blogspot.com, posted around campus, and available at the Cornerstone Program office.

Internships/ Vocational/Mentoring/Practicum Experiences:  Whether internship, practicum or vocational experience, Cornerstone students can explore career interests through work-related experiences.  This experience allows students to explore career options to assist in selecting a major or to gain on-the-job experience in a field before graduation.  Placements can be paid or unpaid.  Opportunities are available through the Career Services, www.eou.edu/career/internshipoptions.htm.

Research with Faculty:  This experience is often embedded in majors as a capstone though other upper division credit classes may also require 25 or more hours of research.   Students may wish to ask their professors about research opportunities before senior year.   Conducting and presenting research is an important skill to acquire.  Through preflection and reflection students obtain insight of the knowledge they gained through the act of researching a topic.  Students may present their findings at EOU’s Spring Symposium, regional/national conferences and/or in the classroom. 

International/Intercultural Experience:  An appreciation and knowledge of diverse cultures are listed among the fundamental attributes of citizens in the 21st century.  EOU and the Cornerstone Program encourage students to experience other ways of life through international and national study abroad exchanges.   Opportunities for intercultural experiences are all around us.  Local opportunities include working with EOU’s Native American Program, Micronesian Program www.eou.edu/mp, La Raza Club, the International Students Association, Island Magic and other culture based student organizations.

• Visit www.eou.edu/saffairs/handbook/stdyab.html for more information on International Exchange

• National Exchange contact: Colleen Cascio www.eou.edu/saffairs/handbook/nse.html 

How do the Cornerstones benefit student participants?

No specific list of beneficial experiences can be listed under each area, because your experience is what you make of it.  Each one of the four Cornerstones will appear on the your unofficial transcript and the Cornerstones met date will appear on your official transcript after you have completed The Cornerstone Form and all expectations.  Cornerstone students who complete all four Cornerstones are awarded with the Cornerstone pin to be displayed on their gown at the commencement ceremony and the award is noted in the commencement program.