The Center for the Study of Local

Issues: Overview

Review CSLI History/Mission

Opportunities for Student Learning and Civic AwarenessYour Help

Dan Nataf, Ph.D., DirectorCenter for the Study of Local IssuesAnne Arundel Community College

101 College ParkwayArnold, MD 21012-1895http:www2.aacc.edu/csli

ddnataf@aacc.edu410.777.2733

CSLI History and Mission

Historical Background: CSLI’s three periods

1. Creation and operation as part of Division of Social Sciences: 1978-1999 – a community college ‘research center’

2. Operation under Vice President for Learning 2000-2006

3.Operation as part of Paul S. Sarbanes Center for Public and Community Service 2006-present

– Advisory Board – provides guidance

CSLI History and Mission

Provide students opportunities to better understand applied social science research methods while encouraging civic awareness and engagement

Serve community and local government by offering research services and communicating survey findings

Provide opportunities for faculty professional development

Help AACC understand its environment through relevant data collection and analysis

Mission – four elements

Mission: Provide students opportunities to better understand applied social science research methods while encouraging civic awareness and engagement

Participation in community surveys

Participation in client based research projects

Student internships

CSLI student club

CSLI History and Mission

Activities providing student opportunities

Community Surveys

1. Conducted in March and October2. Telephone interviews – 350-550 completions3. Press releases4. Public presentations5. Media outreach6. Web site (http://www2.aacc.edu/csli)

CSLI’s Signature Product: The Semi-annual Survey

Community Surveys

Service Learning• Five contacts with CSLI

• Introductory meeting – overview of process, previous findings, purpose of samples/surveys

• 3 nights of telephone interviews• Final meeting – review of survey process,

findings, SPSS/hypotheses testing

Semi-annual survey – how students participate

Community Surveys

Extra Credit• Instructor determines number/character of contacts

with CSLI• Examples:

• 1 or 2 nights of telephone interviewing• Introductory meeting, 1 night of telephone

interviews, final meeting

Semi-annual survey – how students participate

Community Surveys: Survey Content

Suggestions for Survey content• Instructor uses themes from course to suggest

survey topics, discusses with students• Examples:

• Chemistry – global warming, public perceptions, policy options

• Business – marketing, public perceptions of small business, business climate

• Sociology/political science/human services, English – gender gap, perceptions of race and class, policy and partisanship

Semi-annual survey – how students participate

Semi-annual Surveys: Major Topics

• Most important issue facing residents of the county• Economic conditions in the county• Perceptions of BRAC’s impact on the county• The vision for public schools in the county• Cigarette Tax• Death Penalty• President Bush’s job approval• Lots of demographic info: age, income, occupational

status, race, religion, gender, party, ideology

Semi-annual survey – topics over the last couple of years

Semi-annual Surveys: Sample of FindingsEconomic conditions in Anne Arundel County

Semi-annual Surveys: Sample of FindingsPresident Bush’s Job Approval in Anne Arundel County

Semi-annual Surveys: Sample of Findings Visions for Anne Arundel County Public Schools

Plans for the Future: Online Surveys

Web panel – email addresses to be collected this fall

• Offers possibilities of monthly surveys

• More options for faculty and students to participate

Mission: Student Participation, Community OutreachActivity: External funded projects

Externally financed projects – 60 such projects 1995-2007Revenue generated: $250,000+

Anne Arundel County Public SchoolsAssociation of Women in CommunicationAnne Arundel County Department of Recreation and ParksMaryland Comptroller’s OfficeAnne Arundel County Executive – Commission on WomenAnne Arundel Police DepartmentMaryland Department of Natural ResourcesHousing Authority of the City of AnnapolisCapital newspaperAnnapolis and Anne Arundel County Chamber of CommerceAnne Arundel County Economic Development CorporationLeadership Anne ArundelWNAV radio stationAnnapolis Regional Transportation Project (city, county, state).Anne Arundel County Public Library System

Activity: External funded projects – student roles

Students help organize and carry out project related tasks

•Data collection•Data analysis•Statistical analysis•Report editing,

Other Student-related Activities: Internships and a student club

Student Internships: students participate in all aspects of CSLI activities

• Manage projects• Attend presentations• Write reports• Independent research• Client contacts

Other Student-related Activities: Internships and a student club

Student Club: Organized in 2005

• Attend political events – Obama campaign event in Prince George’s County, Jefferson-Jackson Democratic Dinner• Lunch with invited guests - journalists, elected officials, government administrators, others• Visit political institutions – MD General Assembly• Speeches – at think tanks, universities• Candidate forums - help organize and staff

How can you help CSLI?

Recruit students for CSLI activities

Use CSLI findings in your courses

Make survey topic suggestions

Tell us about any research interests you have – client projects may require your expertise!

Join the CSLI board Get on the CSLI mailing list (check Web site)