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Home and Community Department Initiatives

About the Department Initiatives

The purpose of the Department Initiatives is to collaborate and enhance opportunities for faculty within the Home and Community department to share their knowledge, skills, and talents in a manner that benefits the entire team. By fostering a supportive environment and facilitating cooperation, we aim to strengthen our faculty, increase optimism about the future, and promote positive outcomes and impacts. 

Current Department Initiatives

Foster a culture of continuous improvement, seek growth opportunities, and ensure ongoing development within the department. 

Lead: Lea Palmer
Member(s): Paula Scott, Andrea Schmutz, Cara Murray, Tim Keady, Darlene Christensen & Paul Hill 

Utilize the CUBE model to support faculty and staff in supporting all individuals in Utah. 

Lead: Maria Jose Velasco Burgos
Member(s): Ashley Yaugher, Matt Huntington, Cindy Nelson, Jenna Dyckman, Yvette Rea, Carrie Durward, Sadie Wilde & Ryan Benally

Establish a formal process for curriculum development and review. 

Lead:
Lisa Schainker
Member(s): Naomi Brower, Shannon Cromwell & Elizabeth Davis

Standardize measures to evaluate outcomes across program areas.

Leads: Kristen Koci & Lendel Narine

Create opportunities for faculty to share their stories, utilize templates or resources for collaboration, and enhance engagement with collaborators and team members. 

Lead: Cindy Jenkins
Member(s): Kate Chappell, Stephanie Carlson, Celina Wille, Troy Allan, Anna Gilliam, Callie Adams, Tricia Mathis & Taryn Schroeder

Provide best practices for individuals and collaborative work, utilize resources and training to improve office relations, and empower individuals to make positive changes in their work environment.

Lead: Amanda Christensen
Member(s): Jared Hawkins, Palak Gupta, Melanie Jewkes, Gabriela Murza, Emma Parkhurst, Kristin Hoch, Andree' Walker Bravo & Christina Pay

How to Join

Interested in joining an initiative? Fill out the form below or contact Kristin Hoch (kristin.hoch@usu.edu) directly. 

Sign Up for a Department Initiative