Dr. Charles Pierce leads the Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning, including Graduation with Leadership Distinction. He works with faculty and staff in the development of integrative and experiential learning opportunities and coordinates efforts across Columbia and the Palmetto College Campuses (Lancaster, Salkahatchie, Sumter, and Union).
Lauren manages the Graduation with Leadership Distinction (GLD) program, including advisement, programming, outreach, and events. She oversees assessment for GLD, which includes ePortfolio rubric training and support for UNIV 401 instructor, Faculty Fellows, and staff reviewers. Reach out to Lauren with questions about the GLD program and assessment, data and event requests, or for CIEL at the Columbia and Palmetto College campuses.
Deidra Pompey manages and markets the My USC Experience database, which captures all experiential and integrative learning opportunities across campus. She offers logistical support to staff and faculty providers who are planning beyond the classroom engagements for students. She also provides support to CIEL partners through grants and a repository of resources for engaging and reflecting beyond the classroom.
Sarah advises students pursuing Graduation with Leadership Distinction and guides students in developing ePortfolios. She oversees marketing efforts for CIEL initiatives and supervises a marketing intern. In addition, she oversees GLD alumni engagement. Reach out to Sarah if you’re interested in learning more about GLD, the ePortfolio process, getting involved as a GLD alumni, or have marketing inquiries!
Gina advises students pursuing Graduation with Leadership Distinction and guides students in developing ePortfolios. She manages the GLD application system and the verification process, as well as oversees CIEL’s Student Advisory Council (SAC). Reach out to Gina if you’re interested in learning more about GLD, the ePortfolio process, or joining SAC!
Julia advises students pursuing Graduation with Leadership Distinction and guides students in developing ePortfolios. In addition, she oversees CIEL’s outreach on campus and social media efforts, including supervising an undergraduate student marketing intern. Reach out to Julia if you are interested in learning more about GLD, the ePortfolio process, experiential learning, or getting involved in our outreach efforts!
As the student grants coordinator, Niky supports students pursuing experiential learning through management of the Carolina Engage Grant. She is there to support students from initial interest until they submit their reflection. Niky gathers the applications and presents them to the review committee and serves as the main point of contact between the committee and applicants. Reach out to Niky with any questions about the Carolina Engage Grant or eligibility requirements!
Uniqua ensures that visitors, students and partners are welcomed into the center. She supports the staff with any updates for the center. She serves as the HR contact for the office. She manages reimbursements for the staff as well as the student grant for CIEL. She coordinates CIEL activities, technology efforts in OUcampus and 25Live. She manages the CIEL main office, phone, and website.
Matt is charged with coordinating, recruiting, training, and evaluating nearly 25 UNIV 401 Instructors who teach courses for students who are pursuing Graduation with Leadership Distinction. He also helps oversee the “Faculty Fellows” Program which involves working with 8-10 Faculty members on experiential learning and advising students pursuing GLD. Other duties include preparing the teaching schedule for 7 to 9 sections in the Fall and 16 to 20 sections in the Spring of UNIV 401 with the Registrar, reviewing all UNIV 401 syllabi, resolving disputes between instructors and students, directing workshops, and coordinating duties between CIEL Director Charlie Pierce, CIEL Associate Director Lauren Epps, and GLD advisors and staff.