Fall 2025 [Un]classes

PROGRAM EVALUATION: Preventing Violence in Akron,

What Works?

SOCIO 365 SPECIAL TOPICS 

T/ TH 10:45AM-12:00PM

Kolbe Hall Room 204

Dr. Stacey Nofziger (Sociology)

Dr. Allyson Drinkard (Summit Education Initiative)

Jermome Moss (Guys & Gals, Inc.)

Ever wonder why some social programs or business policies succeed while others fail? Want to learn how to measure real-world impact? In this hands-on course, we will be working with the Akron Mayor's office on the program evaluation of the "VIP" (Violence Intervention and Prevention) Strategic Plan. We will learn the fundamentals of program evaluation and identify projects that will benefit and inform youth violence and victimization prevention and intervention in the Akron community. This Program Evaluation [Un]class is open to any major; no stats or methods experience necessary!

NATURAL HISTORY AND RECREATION IN THE
CUYAHOGA RIVER WATERSHED

F : 3:00-4:00 PM
FALL 2025

DR. LARA ROKETENETZ (BIOLOGY)

JON DENT (Outdoor Adventure)

Join the University of Akron Field Station and Student Recreation and Wellness to explore the Cuyahoga River watershed through biology and recreation. This class will consist of weekly on-campus meetings to learn about the Natural History of the crooked river that shapes both urban and natural landscapes in Akron and beyond. We will then use a variety of recreation techniques such as hiking, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and/or biking to connect to the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie. Adventures will take place on Saturdays throughout the semester. Students must be available to attend at least 4 out of six planned sessions on the weekends.

VOICES OF HOPE: CREATING IMPACTFUL
VIDEOS FOR HOMELESS SUPPORT

COMM 472-801
M/W : 5:15-6:30 PM
FALL 2025

PRE-REQUISITES:
COMM 368 – Basic Audio & Video Editing,
Contact the department to waive the pre-req (Ms.Tracy:tgonzalez@uakron.edu)

JUAN EDUARDO CONTRERAS BARBERENA (COMMUNICATION)

This [Un]class will take on Haven of Rest as a client with the objective of producing a series of videos to assist this non-profit organization with some of the following communication objectives: raise awareness on homelessness, history of Haven of Rest, virtual tour of the facilities, different programs offered, testimonials and more.
Previous production experience is not necessary. Students from all disciplines are welcome to join the course to bring different perspectives and enrich the content of the deliverables for Haven of Rest.

EXTREME MAKEOVER: CAMPUS EDITION

T/TH : 2:00-3:15 PM
FALL 2025

DR.CHRISTIN SEHER (EX[L] CENTER)

MEGAN DELONG (EX[L] CENTER)

This [Un]class introduces students to the concept of Creative Placemaking, a process that aims to create vibrant, accessible public spaces through conscious design decisions. With a specific lens on placemaking in Akron, students will learn from local artists, nonprofit leaders, and foundations about initiatives in our city and apply those concepts to campus spaces. The class will produce recommendations in the form of a Campus Beautification Audit. Help us identify the places where campus can use a makeover!