SUSI

Research & Projects

SUSI has completed several different projects in its first year, some of which are described below.

1. The SUSI VISTA along with Simpson students under the supervision of Simpson faculty conducted a needs assessment study in the River Bend Community.

a.The findings report can be found here.

b.Use results to modify existing programs and create needed programs.

c.We will expand to other communities later on.

2. Simpson professors interviewed several Des Moines residents, members of the African American and Latino communities, and from the information gathered from the interviews a cultural sensitivity video and course were developed. The course syllabus can be found here and inquiries about the cultural sensitivity video can be made to professor Fred Jones at (515) 961-1583.

a.The video will be used to educate human service providers and college students.

b.The course will be available to Simpson College students

c.The videos will also be available to the community

3.Offer social skills and other academic courses at Mitchellville (correctional facility for female offenders). In this first year SUSI has facilitated 4 courses at Mitchelville. Project Report (.pdf)

a.Simpson students under faculty supervision teach the classes to inmates.

b.Connect out going offenders who reside in inner city Des Moines with Urban Dreams’ HERO (Habilitation and Empowerment for Returning Offenders) program and other community resources.

4.Connect Simpson Students with Volunteer projects in inner city Des Moines. A report detailing the volunteered hours done by SUSI volunteers can be found here.

Spring 2010

Paige Shelton Research10.pdf

Research that explores college student identity transformations after they return from studying abroad.

Zach Hartje Research10

Research that examines potential racial disparities between bench and jury trials

Fall 2010

April Carlson: "How Did I Get Here? A Look at the Juvenile Drug Court Experience"

Kelsey Johnson: "Nurses' Experiences in the Family Partnership Program"

Laura Anderson: "A Frontline View of Disproportionate Minority Youth Contact"

Click this link to view projects in progress.

First Year