Career Ready with DRIVE
The DRIVE model is our University-wide framework that takes a modern approach to “liberal arts” based on the skills employers look for when hiring college graduates. It is designed to develop relevant skills and create dynamic experiences through all aspects of each student’s Midland journey through a lens of intellectual growth and development. The DRIVE framework is built on five key attributes – Digital Fluency, Research & Critical Thinking, Innovation, Vocation & Leadership, and Engagement & Expression.
Why is DRIVE important?
- Increases relevance for what students are learning
- Provides flexibility for students when selecting courses
- Bridges curricular & co-curricular experiences
- Helps develop skills that students will use for their entire career
DRIVE Framework
D – DIGITAL FLUENCY
Students master digital tools and transform from users of technology to creators within their chosen field.
Curricular example: ART140: Introduction to Advertising Design
Students use digital graphics programs to create new logos in four different ways. Students learn what a professional graphic artist does in this situation.
R – Research & Critical Thinking
Students investigate ideas, identify credible sources of information, and translate facts into meaningful analysis.
Co-Curricular example: Library Database Presentations
During this presentation the Librarian teaches students how to utilize and search from the Library’s online database. Students learn how to form a research question to search, what the best database(s) is to search from, how to limit their search, and how to compile the best scholarly research for their assignment.
I – Innovation
Students consider new ways of thinking about everyday issues and identify the steps needed to turn ideas into action.
Curricular example: BIT160: Object Oriented Programming
Students formulate a deliberate design process of developing, testing and refining a prototype by designing a game and presenting to the class. They submit a preliminary draft, which will allow for adequate testing and refining of the system.
V – Vocation & Leadership
Students explore their interests and personal strengths to transform their passion into a profession.
Co-Curricular example: Midland Midday Mingle
With over 60 professionals from various industries, this is an incredible opportunity for students to make connections, engage with their passions, and practice essential networking skills.
E – Engagement & Expression
Students observe and experience diverse perspectives changing from spectator to participant on local, national, and global issues.
Curricular example: EDU220: Diversity in Classroom Communities
Students trace their own experience with diversity, question their own biases, stereotypes, preconceptions, assumptions, and the assumptions of others to define new modes of thinking as a result of that questioning.
Success Courses
These courses are part of the Academic Core Experience.
MID101: The Midland University Experience provides students with the information, skills, and direction needed to create a foundation for academic and career success. In this course, students: learn about accessing available University resources; become aware of individual preferences for learning and functioning in the workplace, use a Strengths-based approach to identify and develop their top five (5) individual Strengths; explore academic major and minor requirements; and develop the behaviors needed to support holistic academic, personal, and professional development.
All new freshmen who meet Midland’s admissions requirements complete MID101 during their first semester. MID101 is a one-credit-hour course that is co-facilitated by a faculty or staff member and a current Midland Student Co-Facilitator, so new students get the opportunity to start building their Midland network from the beginning.
MID103: Warrior Academic Success Seminar I provides students with the information, skills, resources, and direction needed to create a foundation for academic and personal success. Students explore strategies for increasing: personal awareness, motivation, and self-management; study skills; and capacity for lifelong learning.
All new freshmen who are conditionally admitted to Midland complete MID103 during their first semester. MID103 is a two-credit hour course co-facilitated by a faculty or staff member and a current Midland Student Co-Facilitator, so new students get the opportunity to start building their Midland network from the beginning. MID103 includes all of the content covered in MID101 in addition to including additional academic support resources. After completing MID103 in the fall semester, most students continue on to enroll in MID104 for the spring semester.
MID104: Warrior Academic Success Seminar II provides students with the additional skills, resources, and direction needed to create a Midland University graduation plan. In this course, students will further develop skills to strengthen academic and personal development and goal achievement.
MID104 is a one-credit-hour course that is facilitated by a staff member. The course is a great opportunity for students to remain connected with their MID103 facilitator and classmates. Students who earn a 2.75 cumulative GPA during the fall semester of their freshman year and earn an A- or higher in MID103 are exempt from taking MID104.
Each section of MID101 and MID103 is taught by a Midland faculty or staff member and a current Midland Student Co-Facilitator. Co-Facilitating a section of MID101 or MID103 is an excellent opportunity that allows students to gain meaningful leadership experience while improving their communication and time management skills. Student Co-Facilitators have a unique opportunity to help and guide first-year Midland students by sharing their experiences with them. This leadership position also encourages students to develop relationships with staff, faculty, and peers.
A benefit to co-facilitating MID101 or MID103 is the opportunity to enroll in MID200: Leadership Development Seminar. In MID200 students learn about common classroom strategies, develop lesson plans and presentations, and often reflect on their experience co-facilitating a college-level course.
Student Co-Facilitators go through a competitive application process that includes submitting an application and interviewing with the Director of the Academic Core Experience. Applications are available early each spring semester, and all students will be notified of this opportunity via email.
MID201: Career Development provides students with the tools and strategies needed to navigate the professional decision-making process. Assessment tools will be utilized to help students understand their strengths and interests as they relate to their major and career goals. Topics covered include: major exploration, interviewing skills, the internship search and preparation process and identifying ways outside of the classroom to gain knowledge and experience. Students will complete a professional portfolio that will support them in their career selection and preparation process at Midland and beyond graduation.
All students complete MID201 during their sophomore year. MID201 is a one-credit hour course co-facilitated by a faculty or staff member and a current Midland Student Co-Facilitator, so there is plenty of support navigating the career exploration process.