Learning takes place both inside and outside of the classroom, and students may attain this learning from faculty and staff alike.\u00a0 In recognition of this, a new award has been established to honor a staff member in Arts, Sciences & Engineering who has made a significant difference in the educational experience of students.<\/p>\n
Laura Ballou, assistant dean of sophomores and director of Wilson Commons, is the inaugural recipient of the Distinguished Contributions to Undergraduate Learning Award.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver the past 13 years, Laura has demonstrated consistent enthusiasm for undergraduate learning by providing students with the support and resources needed to develop strength of intellect and character,\u201d said College Dean Richard Feldman, noting the significant role staff members play toward the education and well-being of students. \u201cShe is an inspiration and truly deserving to receive this honor.\u201d<\/p>\n
Throughout her tenure in campus life, Ballou \u201997 has advised Class Councils and Student Government.\u00a0 \u201cShe works with elected student leaders to create programming and traditions that resonate with each class,\u201d said Anne-Marie Algier, associate dean of students. \u201cMany of the traditions she has helped create have become part of the University\u2019s institutional culture.\u201d<\/p>\n
While the Senior Class Council\u2019s Senior Week is a long-standing tradition, it now consists of over 20 events thanks to Ballou\u2019s leadership.\u00a0 Her innovative week-long programming that leads up to Commencement has been adopted by other campuses as a model.<\/p>\n
Two events that Ballou is most proud of founding are Spirit Week and the Major Declaration Celebration, a campus-wide celebration that recognizes the selection of majors by students as an academic and career milestone.<\/p>\n
Ballou has also overhauled the student employment program in Wilson Commons.\u00a0 Her aim was to create an employment experience that was closer to what students would encounter after graduation. She created a centralized application process, training, and evaluation standards that benefit over100 undergraduates employees annually.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am someone who is never happy with the status quo and is constantly challenging myself and my colleagues to think about new ways we could do things, better systems of customer service, and creative programming that affects the entire campus community,\u201d Ballou said.<\/p>\n
\u201cLaura\u2019s efforts to create cohesion through innovative programming for the University\u2019s undergraduate community is unmatched,\u201d said Matthew Burns, dean of students. \u201cThousands of students have benefited from her mentorship.\u00a0 She is a wonderful example of the positive change one person can make.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ballou was also recently awarded the Association of College Unions International\u2019s Edward S. \u201cBeanie\u201d Drake Founders\u2019 Award. She was recognized as a \u201cdistinguished leader who consistently strives to be ever better,\u201d and who exemplifies the mission, vision, and values of the University and ACUI.<\/p>\n
Ballou earned her bachelor\u2019s degree in psychology with a certificate in international relations from the URochester, and a master\u2019s degree in social work from the University of Michigan.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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Laura Ballou, assistant dean of sophomores and director of Wilson Commons, is the inaugural recipient of the Distinguished Contributions to Undergraduate Learning Award. The new award has been established to honor a staff member in Arts, Sciences & Engineering who has made a significant difference in the educational experience of students.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":562,"featured_media":104842,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[486],"class_list":["post-104772","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-university-news","tag-awards"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n