University of Wisconsion - Eau Claire

UWEC

arrow_back

Proposal

Hosting Assistance at AFA-NST

30 hours

Community partner: UWEC Communication & Journalism
Supervisor: Chris Outzen
Beginning date:
2024-04-05
Ending Date:
2024-04-08

Service-Learning Proposal Description

1.

Briefly describe the project and the community need to be addressed.

Answer Communication + Journalism staff Chris Outzen and Kelly Jo Wright are seeking students interested in a service-learning opportunity April 5-8, 2024. UWEC Forensics is serving as the host of the American Forensic Association National Speech Tournament (AFA-NST) and needs additional student workers over the weekend the tournament will be hosted. Students involved in service learning will be working in conjunction with event-planning students taught by Kelly Jo Wright and the visiting staff members of the AFA-NST to execute a smooth tournament experience for all attendees. The AFA-NST is a national competition for college students from around the nation in competitive public speaking. These students attend the AFA-NST representing their universities as well as their own education and advocacy. Hence, assistance at this tournament furthers valuable educational experiences for attending students.

2.

What is the mission of the agency or organization?

Answer The American Forensic Association National Speech Tournament (formerly the National Individual Events Tournament (NIET)) the is an organization devoted to facilitating and celebrating speech education excellence at the intercollegiate level. The NST is held every April and brings students from across the nation to compete for national championships in 11 events. Students reach the NST through a rigorous at-large and district qualification system verified by organizational officers. Since 1978, the NST has served hundreds of colleges and universities and thousands of students. In April 2019 the National Individual Events Tournament (NIET) voted to change its name to the National Speech Tournament (NST). For more information, visit https://sites.google.com/site/afanietnew2/

3.

What skills are required for this project? 

Answer Students who will excel in this service-learning opportunity are those confident in oral communication skills, willingness to be flexible in role/tasks assigned, comfort with navigation of lower UWEC campus, and general outgoing and helpful demeanor. Strong writing skills and handwriting (printing) will also be required for at least some of the tasks required.

4.

What are the objectives for the student learning and service?

Answer This service learning experience carries the following objectives for student learning and service: 1) Students will gain experience assisting with medium-scale event hosting. 2) Students will practice task-oriented communication skills, including both listening and message dissemination. 3) Students will support learning opportunities for fellow college students through the AFA-NST.

5.

What are the availability requirements for the student?

Answer April 6, 7, and 8 would all be approximately 10-hour days from 8:00am to 6:00pm. The location of the tournament is UWEC lower campus across several academic buildings. We will also send out a survey to students to determine a brief one-hour preparation/training the week of April 1-5.

6.

Additional information (not required).

Answer Students should sign-up for this opportunity no later than March 29th. Throughout the service-learning experience on April 5-8, students will report to Kelly Jo Wright, Assistant Director of Forensics. Chris Outzen, Director of Forensics, will facilitate the reflection on service learning and submission of the necessary e-forms to confirm the completion of service learning. Questions can be referred to Chris Outzen at outzencp@uwec.edu or 715-836-2626
Center for Service-Learning • Old Library 2100 • University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire • Eau Claire WI 54702-4004
A Unit of: Advising, Retention + Career Center
Phone: 715-836-4649 • Fax: 715-836-4023
Questions/Comments: srvlearn@uwec.edu
Copyright © 2024 UW-Eau Claire and the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System