Engaging Student Organizations in IPE Work

The Center for Interprofessional Education (C-IPE) supports and collaborates with student organizations engaging in IPE related work. However, to address a declining level of engagement, the C-IPE is reassessing and redefining how to effectively engage with IPE Student Organizations.Goals, objectives, and purpose: Objective 1: Conduct interviews with IPE Student Organizations to receive feedback on current goals for IPE Student Organization and C-IPE engagement.

Objective 2: Identify which engagement activities are meaningful, feasible, and sustainable for IPE Student Organizations.

Objective 3: Establish engagement initiatives based on student feedback.Methods/Methodology: To understand the needs and preferences of IPE student organizations, the C-IPE conducted a series of interviews with leaders of seven organizations. Students provided feedback on a set of goals for IPE Student Organizations and the C-IPE and ranked a list of 4 potential engagement activities. Common themes were then identified and used to establish next steps.Results/Findings: Finding 1: Student leaders appreciated the intent behind the existing goals, but found them to be too broad and vague. Students recommended more specific, actionable steps and emphasized the importance of effective communication and visible support from C-IPE.

Finding 2: Students voiced a desire for: Increased awareness of what the C-IPE is and how it supports IPE Student Organizations, Bolstered structured communication between IPE Student Organizations and with the C-IPE, Clarification of how the C-IPE supports professional development, Quality over quantity for engagement activities.Conclusions, implications, and/or curiosities: A three-pronged tactic plan was recommended to improve engagement with IPE student organizations:

Tactic 1: Revise the goals for IPE Student Organizations and C-IPE based on interview feedback.

Tactic 2: Revise multiple components of the University of Michigan IPE Student Organization Criteria.

Tactic 3: Host an engagement session for student leaders to learn more about the C-IPE, discuss the future state of engagement between the C-IPE and IPE Student Organizations, and connect with each other.