Mercedes Valadez's Community Engagement Portfolio FINAL

Integrating Community Engagement into your Academic Career Banner

Community Engagement and Criminal Justice

Brief description of the stages in your 3-year plan.

The main focus of my three year plan is to create and submit a new course with a service learning component to the Department of Criminal Justice. Besides the internship course, we do not currently have a service learning course . The course would be focused on immigration and criminal justice. Before I begin drafting my proposal, I would like to review the course syllabus and materials for other service learning courses offered at CSUS. Beyond familiarizing myself with local agencies and organizations, I'd like to start volunteering with them so that I can form a relationship with them. In doing so, I may find it easier to partner with agencies for the service learning component of the course.

Reflection on FLC

Overall, I this was a positive learning experience. I had an opportunity to learn about what my colleagues are doing in their classes and in the community. When I shared my interest in creating a service learning course, I received positive and encouraging comments. I also had colleagues suggest local agencies I might want to reach out to in my area of interest.
The three year plan reflects key values of mutual benefits and collaboration with local community agencies. Given the topic of interest, immigration, I believe that students will be able to gain a better understanding about critical social issues.

Description below.
Criminal Justice- The division of criminal justice does not have a service learning course option for students. I plan to create one.	Immigration- The service learning course I plan to create focuses on immigration/immigrants in the Sacramento region.	Service learning and community- I will tie the course to the University mission and focus on building connections between students and community.

Documentation: upload and create a link to your deliverable:

FLC community v3.docx Download FLC community v3.docx

Faculty Photo and Short Bio:
	Dr. Mercedes Valadez is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Criminal Justice at California State University, Sacramento. Her research focuses on immigration issues, inequality, and race, ethnicity, and justice.