The RISE Initiative
Which two are for you?
- Studying abroad?
- Exploring research?
- Working with a nonprofit?
- Gaining business experience?
The R.I.S.E. Initiative is IUPUI’s challenge to all undergraduate students to engage in unique learning experiences that broaden intellectual horizons, enhance professional development and promote career exploration. Most importantly, students who meet the R.I.S.E. challenge will see their efforts recognized on their transcripts and find themselves more competitive when entering the job market or applying to graduate programs.
R.I.S.E. stands for Research, International, Service Learning and Experiential Learning. Within the context of your chosen degree program, you are encouraged to complete experiences in at least two of these four areas by:
- Contributing to faculty-led research;
- Studying abroad;
- Taking a service learning course;
- Or completing an internship.
Here is how the School of Informatics will help you meet the challenge:
Research
Each spring, the School of Informatics offers an undergraduate research course. By successfully completing this course, you are eligible to pursue undergraduate research opportunities with a faculty researcher and join one of our active graduate research groups.
International
So you want to see the world? The School of Informatics currently offers two international service-learning courses designed to give back to the communities in which learning takes place:
N485/I400/I590 Digitizing Paros Cultural Heritage
Collaborate with other students on documentary videos and web design projects to preserve history and serve the local island municipality of Paros, Greece, all while enjoying the fun, food and flavors of Greek culture.
N485/I400/I590 New Media Without Borders
Explore Chinese culture while learning and using digital media, human-computer interaction and information systems design skills to serve a local underprivileged population. You’ll work alongside Chinese students from the Sun Yet-sen University in Guangzhou, China. During and after the course, you will visit Hong Kong, Macau, Beijing, The Great Wall, the Forbidden City and other important sites.
Service learning
One of the most rewarding experiences in which anyone can take part is giving back to local community organizations in need – groups that are in constant need of the computing and technology skills you can provide. Every spring, the School of Informatics offers I400/N485 Computing For A Cause (C4C), a service learning course that partners Informatics and Media Arts and Science students with deserving community groups. You’ll work as part of a team on digital media, information systems and other IT projects to make a difference in the lives of those these organizations serve.
Experiential learning
The School of Informatics encourages students to secure supervised internships and to register for elective course credit (3-9 credit hours). Internships may lead to full-time job offers upon graduation, will make your resume and portfolio more competitive, and have been proven to increase starting salary offers for college graduates according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Internships for credit are approved through the School of Informatics Career Services Office.
Want to know more?
Contact your advisor to talk through your many options to meet the RISE challenge!
