By Chris Yingling | Echo
Vocation. The word is thrown around in different contexts, but the actual definition of the word is constantly debated among Taylor students.
The Calling and Career Office (CCO) intends to work out the definition through a new vocation-themed initiative. Taylor's partnership with NetVue, a program through the Council of Independent Colleges, has resulted in a grant that the CCO will use on the topic of vocation. The money is then distributed to other academic departments to be put to use for the purpose of promoting vocation among students in the department.
"It's bringing the entire campus together to have a conversation on 'What is vocation?' and how we can pursue vocation together," said Drew Moser, director of the CCO. "On a campus like Taylor, we have a lot of the same beliefs, but the thought of vocation is different among students."
The proposed use of the funds is split among an initiative that proposed small groups through the honors program and possible changes to individual senior capstone classes. Department heads will be involved in implementing those changes for the 2014-15 academic year.
The Honors Guild plan, headed by Director of Honors Programming Jennifer Moeschberger, requires students to meet in small groups and talk about the many facets of vocation. The proposed groups would be comprised of three members from each academic class to make a well-rounded core of students from all different walks, Moeschberger said.
Senior capstone requirements for the integration of vocation would vary by department but aim to define vocation on a more personal level. According to Director of Residence Life Programs, Sara Hightower, seniors preparing to enter the workforce find it helpful to discuss vocation.
While the new plan will change many things in regards to both senior capstones and honors programs, faculty reactions have been generally positive towards the proposed use of the money.
"It gives an institutional language to what we mean by vocation as a university," said Shawnda Freer, director of First Year Experience. "It helps target seniors and I like all the options that it has."
Starting in the fall of 2014, these new programs will be fully operational. The CCO is excited for the opportunity to spread the concept of vocation and make it integral to the Taylor experience.
"The big goal would be to have some language to explore this big idea of calling in a way that is not paralyzing or abstract but feels present and very relevant to their stage in life," Moser said. "It's not to say that everyone should have the same theology (about) vocation, but to have a common understanding on how to talk about vocation and explore it together."
