Faculty Grants for Promoting Career Expo Madness Attendance

PULLMAN, Wash.—Washington State University faculty can apply by Jan. 26 to receive a $500 professional development grant for encouraging their students to attend Career Expo Madness in-person and virtual events Feb. 5, 6, and 13.

The new grant program is sponsored by the Academic Success and Career Center, host of the career fairs. The goal is to encourage career fair attendance.

“We know many faculty already encourage their students to explore job and internship opportunities from employers who come to the Expos, so we decided to add a little incentive and reward this spring,” said Amanda Morgan, ASCC associate director.

“For faculty who build expo attendance into their 300- and 400-level courses, and who have 40 or more students—from one or more classes—sign in at the expos, we will provide a $500 grant through their department budget for them to use.”

Morgan said ASCC is test-driving to incent and reward faculty who appreciate the importance of helping their students build a professional network that includes employers, and to understand the career opportunities available. Both can enhance students’ confidence and ability to succeed post-graduation.

To signal interest in a grant, faculty can complete an online form indicating how they plan to incorporate the expos into their classes. The plan might include, for example, lesson plans, a graded or ungraded assignment, or extra credit, said Morgan. An online career readiness tool kit for faculty details the needed information.

The spring Career Expo Madness includes one in-person and two virtual events where students can interact with more than 125 employers. Virtual events will use Handshake, WSU’s free, online employment resource tool for students and alumni. The expos are set for:

• Feb. 5, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Career Expo via Handshake online
• Feb. 6, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Career Expo at Beasley Coliseum
• Feb. 13, Noon-3 p.m., CASE Expo via Handshake online, focusing on communication, arts, science, and education students

Faculty and staff are encouraged to also attend so they can connect with employers and learn more about what they are seeking from interns and employees. An email to ASCC will start the straightforward process for faculty and staff to get access to Handshake.

Media contacts:

Amanda Morgan, Associate Director, WSU Academic Success and Career Center, a.morgan@wsu.edu