Agents of Change
A First-Year Learning Community
Agents of Change is a Learning Community designed for students majoring in Social Work, Sociology, and Political Science and other academic majors who are passionate about making a positive impact in their communities. Through interactive discussions, community engagement, experiential learning, wellness-focused programming, and faculty mentorship, students will explore leadership, advocacy, civic engagement, professional identity, resilience, and ethical decision-making. This Learning Community fosters connection, belonging, and personal growth while preparing students to become informed leaders and changemakers committed to creating meaningful social change.
As a Learning Community, Agents of Change aim to:
- Foster leadership, civic engagement, and advocacy skills that prepare students to create positive social change.
- Support the development of a strong professional identity grounded in the values of social work, sociology, political science and other academic majors.
- Promote student wellness, resilience, and strategies for managing stress and preventing burnout.
- Increase student engagement, belonging, and meaningful peer and faculty connections.
- Develop critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and reflective practice through experiential learning.
- Prepare students to navigate academic, community, and professional opportunities with confidence.
- Encourage sustainable personal and professional habits that contribute to persistence, retention, and long-term success.
- Collaborate with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates of Norfolk) to learn more about the legal system, advocacy, and themselves.
Courses
- Fall SEM 101
- Spring SEM 102
Requirements: Students who are interested must register for the Learning Communities sections of Spartan Seminar (SEM) 101 and 102. Participation in Agents of Change events and activities, as well as scheduled co-curricular Learning Communities events and activities, is mandatory for those in the Agents of Change Learning Community.
Contact Information
Dr. Alicia Tetteh, LCSW, RYT-200
Assistant Professor
The Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work
aotetteh@nsu.edu
Dr. Rachel Vincitore
Learning Communities Program Specialist
Student Pathways and Academic Formation
revincitore@nsu.edu