Ithaca College

The deadline is fast approaching for applications for the Linden Award for Learning Portfolio Excellence. This award is open to seniors who best demonstrate through their learning portfolios what they have learned in their college experience and what connections they draw among different elements of their Ithaca College education, presented in a form that effectively communicates to an external audience.

This award recognizes electronic portfolios that tell the student’s story, creating a platform for future iterations as learning continues through life. Portfolios will exemplify integrative thinking, critical and analytical problem solving and reflective learning outcomes, as created by students who have sought guidance and mentoring from Ithaca College alumni. This award has been made possible by the generosity of Jay and Judith Linden. For the 2014-15 competition, up to three finalists will receive a cash prize, with $3,000 for the best portfolio and $1,500 for each of the two runners-up.

 Application requirements

Applicants for the 2014-15 Linden Learning Portfolio Award must

·         Be scheduled to graduate between December 2014 and August 2015

·         Complete the application form, available at https://www.ithaca.edu/icc/linden_award, by March 27, 2015. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

·         Use the TaskStream portfolio platform as the basis of the submitted portfolio

Evaluation criteria

Submitted portfolios will be evaluated based on three criteria:

·         Content and quality of the portfolio in showing evidence of the applicant’s integrative thinking, critical and analytical problem solving, and reflective learning

·         Reflective and creative use of technology through the portfolio as an electronically mediated presentation

·         Demonstration of an established relationship and communication with an alumnus/a  mentor for the portfolio (alumni mentors may be asked to provide a brief statement on the student’s work)

The Linden Award Faculty Steering Committee will evaluate portfolios on the criteria above. Three finalists will present their portfolios publicly (10-15 minute presentations) on the evening of April 13, 2015. Finalists will be notified by April 6, 2015. The Linden Award Faculty Steering Committee will evaluate the public presentations of the portfolios to determine which of the three finalists presents the best portfolio. Finalists’ prizes will be presented at the Senior Class Donor Luncheon the Friday before May Commencement.

Additional information

Students seeking additional information about making contact with potential alumni mentors should contact Gretchen VanValen, Associate Director for Alumni Mentoring Programs (gvanvalen@ithaca.edu).  TaskStream support is available (https://www.taskstream.com/contact/) or you may request one-on-one training in the Technology Learning Center on campus (see ITS Training and Documentation webpage to request one-on-one training). General questions should be addressed to icc@ithaca.edu.