Entering into this academic year, Coppin State University is focused on progress with our shared vision and stated goals. A top goal for us involves improving the student experience and supporting learning outcomes both inside and outside the classroom. In support of that goal, and with the backing of nationally known author and speaker Stedman Graham and Kaiser Permanente, we are preparing to launch an Identity Leadership Nine-Step Success Process. Our program will be called Eagle–I, standing for our Eagle Identity Leadership series. Eagle-I takes the approach that individuals hold the key to their own success. We have been in the planning stage for a few months, and are excited to be offering this self-actualization experience to our students with a kick-off event that will take place on October 13.

With the overarching goal of inclusive excellence, Coppin State University has been moving forward in our implementation of the Pathways to Professions (P2P) initiative. We began P2P after winning a $3.6 million Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) grant. Efforts range from dual enrollment and workforce development to competency-based Micro-credentials and Micro-degrees across levels of schooling and stages of professional life. Last week we unveiled Micro-credentials for Teaching Effectiveness at a P2P Leadership Academy conference, culminating a year of planning under the TQP grant. Six competency-based credentials are now available and will be piloted at Coppin and partnering institutions of higher education this fall. Associate Dean for the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education, Dr. Yi Huang, leads the P2P initiative at CSU.

Coppin State University’s Connecting Ladies Across Campus (CLAC) is a mentoring program connecting undergraduate female students with experienced faculty or staff mentors who support the CSU student in making ethical decisions in life that will lead to a successful future. CLAC annually kicks off with a “Speed Connection” meeting, where CSU students are matched with mentors. The objective of CLAC is to address the personal and pre-professional needs of CSU students with a focus on four life factors – faith, family, fitness and finance. To learn more, and to support CLAC, visit Coppin.edu.