Becoming the Region's Polytechnic

The Identity and Marketing Workgroup planning paralleled the strategic planning process’s focus on “applied learning in high-demand fields.” This was prominent in the vision statement developed by the strategic planning committees. 

There is no formal definition of polytechnic, nor any set requirements for becoming a polytechnic university. EWU will be able to define polytechnic in our own way, which will include an emphasis on applied learning. We want all programs to feature career-connected learning, whether that is research, internships, teacher training, etc.

Vocational training, much of what is offered at a technical or community college, is not based on a general education framework. This foundational background, which is provided at EWU as a liberal arts university, is critical in providing the essential skills needed in the workforce (communicating, critical thinking, etc). Our degree programs have this foundation, which underscores another critical distinction: Vocational training focuses on teaching the specific skills required for a specific job. The polytechnic university prepares students for life-long learning, providing them with the tools to adapt to and succeed in an ever-evolving workplace.

These terms are used interchangeably. Applied and experiential learning refers to the process of learning by doing , of engaging in hands-on experiences that better connect classroom learning to real-world situations. The phrase ‘applied learning’ is commonly used within higher education, whereas the term ‘experiential learning’ typically describes the process for individuals outside of higher education (legislators, businesses, etc.)

University Affairs and idfive will administer a survey to prospective students to assess their understanding of these and related terms. Survey results will inform core messaging pillars.

Student support services have been identified as a critical area for investment campus-wide, according to the SRA report and strategic plan. Across all majors, we will evaluate equity gaps and allocate resources to enhance student support services essential for success in these courses and programs.

The applied learning model will be focused on our undergraduate students. Many of our undergraduates are already doing applied learning in their programs – such as nursing, social work, education, etc. The applied learning model will not apply to dual enrolled, running start, or graduate students.

No, the SRA does not impact the polytechnic model.

• From the vision statement: Characterized by a student-centered focus and opportunities for applied learning in high-demand fields, [EWU’s} education creates upward social mobility and intellectual growth for our students that supports a healthy, sustainable, and economically successful region.
• From the Academic Excellence value statement: We provide applied learning opportunities to prepare students for future success, invest in our workforce and create opportunities for professional growth for students, faculty and staff.
• From the Regional Impact and Regional Contribution value statement: We promote economic vitality and regional success through scholarly research, dedicated service, and educational programs that meet regional workforce needs in high-demand fields.

High-demand fields are areas of study that are identified for their ability to offer valuable skills that are currently sought after by employers worldwide. Presentations were provided to the Identity and Marketing Workgroup on the 150,000 baccalaureate-dependent jobs that will be needed by the year 2030. The presentation also identified the emerging high-demand fields: healthcare, engineering, computer science, education, business, etc.  (slides)

Since the president arrived, campus feedback has indicated that we (EWU) are everything to everyone. With 34 community colleges (many of which are offering applied baccalaureate degrees), 18 private colleges/universities and six four-year public universities in the state of Washington, we need to find a way to stand out. Enrollments are going down across the country and EWU needs a differentiator.

The EWU Board of Trustees, at its May 2024 meeting, provided verbal support for moving forward with the testing and direction of the polytechnic concept.

Eastern is the region’s university, focused on meeting critical workforce needs and remaining competitive and relevant in an evolving economy. After analyzing current and projected regional workforce data and reviewing the survey results regarding the importance of experiential learning, the polytechnic model, defined as applied learning, was seen as the most logical direction to continue fulfilling the mission of EWU while providing a pathway for sustainable success in the region.

Students will have an experience that is both rooted in the liberal arts with a strong emphasis on career-connectedness. We know from our Life After Eastern surveys that students with applied learning are more likely to end up being employed in the profession they went to school for and are less likely to be underemployed. As a result, the transition to the polytechnic model will include an intentional expansion of applied and experiential learning opportunities across all disciplines and programs of study.

• A polytechnic model that combines applied learning with a foundational liberal arts education can be more inclusive by offering programs in high-demand fields that provide clear pathways to employment. These programs can attract students seeking immediate job opportunities and social mobility.

• The integration of liberal arts ensures students also develop essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, and teamwork which are essential for long-term success. Additionally, strong community and industry partnerships through internships, research, and real-world experience, enhance employability, ​​especially in STEM-related fields where significant populations, including people of color and first-generation students, are underrepresented and face barriers to entry.

The School of Education is a prime example of how Eastern Washington University is already focused on providing applied learning that prepares students for in-demand careers (the core differentiator of how EWU will position itself as the region’s polytechnic). P-12 school experiences and student teaching serve as critical components of EWU’s teaching program, linking theory and practice and providing students with practical, real-world learning opportunities. Field experiences are integrated throughout the teacher preparation program. Full-time student teaching internships help students gain experience, build their resumes while they’re still in school, and often lead to job offers after graduation.

EWU has a number of programs that require an internship/experiential learning. Most health programs require clinical hours, and fields like biology involve research experience. These experiences are defined by the program and are considered beneficial for career connection.

The study of liberal arts disciplines such as philosophy, ethics and sociology provides students with a deeper understanding of the ethical, social and cultural implications of technology and innovation. By integrating liberal arts education into applied learning, students are better equipped to consider the broader impact of their work on society and make ethically informed decisions. Employers often seek candidates with essential skills such as communication, critical thinking, and teamwork which are central to liberal arts education.

The study of liberal arts is central to the polytechnic model in that it encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of diverse perspectives. In a polytechnic setting, this can foster innovation and creativity by bringing together students and faculty from different backgrounds to tackle complex problems. Combining engineering expertise with insights from psychology and sociology, for example can lead to more human-centered design solutions.

In 2023, EWU engaged idfive, an integrated marketing agency that specializes in higher education, to assess the effectiveness of the New Think brand campaign. As that work coincided with EWU’s strategic planning process, idfive are now assisting the Identity and Marketing Workgroup’s (IMW) plans and possible polytechnic direction. Incorporating community and Board feedback, idfive will produce an updated brand anthem video in fall 2024 that aligns the New Think campaign with the goals of the new strategic plan and the work of the IMW. University Relations will begin to work on developing a marketing plan to support the repositioning.

The next legislative cycle will include a request for funding to develop polytechnic applied learning as the hallmark experience for an EWU student.

The polytechnic model will recruit and retain faculty who value interdisciplinary collaboration, an inclusive and diverse academic environment, and who are committed to innovative and equitable education.  Because EWU’s polytechnic model includes a strong commitment to connecting with the region, we will also attract faculty who are interested in the opportunities that community engagement and service learning bring to their teaching and research. Additionally, we will continue to work on strengthening current relationships between faculty, staff, and administration to enhance the vibrant academic culture of EWU.

No, we are boldly stating who we are, not changing who we are. The polytechnic identity aligns with our strategic plan and emphasizes our strengths in applied, hands-on learning and career readiness.