Unlock Your Potential: Experiential Learning & Engagement
As a faculty member at Auburn University, I'm passionate about providing students with hands-on experiences that bridge academic knowledge with real-world impact. Explore diverse opportunities to grow professionally, academically, and personally.
Experiential Philanthropy: Grantmaking for Local Impact
Want to make a tangible difference in the Auburn community? Enroll in CADS 3780 Grantmaking for Philanthropists and become part of a team that empowers local nonprofits through strategic grantmaking.
Offered every Spring Semester, this unique course provides students with invaluable skills and a direct opportunity to impact local organizations. You will:
-
Develop effective grantmaking strategies
-
Learn best practices in grant writing
-
Assess and evaluate the impact and performance of nonprofit organizations
-
Cultivate professional and teamwork skills
-
Network with vital local nonprofit organizations
Our Impact in Action
Each semester, students in CADS 3780 collaboratively award a significant grant to a local nonprofit, creating a visible and lasting difference. Explore the stories of impact from previous years:
Spring 2025: Students awarded a $2,500 grant to Nourish Wellness. Learn more about Nourish Wellness and our impact here.
Spring 2024: Students awarded a $2,500 grant to the Good News Center at Auburn United Methodist Church. Learn more about the Good News Center and our impact here.
Spring 2023: Students awarded a $2,500 grant to the Twin Cedars Youth and Family Services Child Advocacy Center. Learn more about the Child Advocacy Center and our impact here.
Spring 2022: Students awarded a $3,000 grant to the Domestic Violence Intervention Center (DVIC). Learn more about the DVIC and our impact here.
Spring 2021: Students awarded a $2,000 grant to the East Alabama Mental Health Center. Learn more about the East Alabama Mental Health Center and our impact here.
Grow as a Leader: Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UTA)
Are you interested in gaining valuable teaching, peer-mentoring, and leadership experience?
I welcome dedicated undergraduate teaching assistants in the following courses:
-
CADS 1700 Giving and Sharing
-
CADS 2700 Introduction to Nonprofit Organizations
-
CADS 3780 Grantmaking for Philanthropists
UTA positions are unpaid, but students earn academic credit by enrolling in CADS 4900 Undergraduate Teaching Assistance Experience (1-3 credits). One credit equates to approximately 3 hours of work per week.
Benefits
-
Demonstrate effective communication and facilitation skills to support student learning during class activities, discussions, and critiques.
-
Apply strategies that guide peer learning while encouraging independent thinking.
-
Deepen understanding of course content through active engagement in lesson planning and student interactions.
-
Utilize design principles and interdisciplinary knowledge to assist in delivery and student projects.
-
Exhibit professionalism in interactions with students, faculty, and staff through punctuality, preparedness, and respectful communication.
-
Engage in reflective practices to assess personal growth and teaching effectiveness, identifying areas for improvement.
Qualifications: Students must have previously earned an 'A' in the specific course they wish to assist with
