The Ripple Effect

We believe that information, converted into action, followed by structured critical reflection, can lead to a ripple effect ultimately bringing about social change. 

The Ripple Effect is a Learning Community (LC) which aims to provide educational experiences that will prepare you to identify what you truly love about the world (Hermann Hesse) and ultimately be the change you want to see in it (Mohandas Gandhi). By examining historical and current cases and theories of change, movements, and transformation, the Ripple Effect LC will address the following questions in an experiential format: 

• What in your community or world do you care enough about to do something about?
• How do you organize your thoughts, build upon resources, and implement strategies for social change?
• How do you know when you have brought about some level of influence of social change? How do you know it was good or right?

Members will attend a pre-semester retreat during the week prior to the beginning of classes. Curricular components will enroll you in two courses during the fall semester. A community engagement project will allow you to address a relevant issue working together. If you are interested – bring your heart, mind, and soul and prepare to embark on a journey where you will become a part of something that is bigger than you, but better because of you.

Ripple Effect LC: Fall Courses

ENT 195 - First-year Seminar in Entrepreneurship: Creating Ripple Effects by Action
This course is designed to assist students with identifying community issues, expose them to relevant information pertaining to these issues, and develop a process for addressing issues and integrating information; a transferable model for promoting and instigating social change can be applied. 

USI 130 - University Studies
This course is an introduction to the university and to higher education will help you make a seamless transition to your new community at WCU as you "calibrate your compass." You will be introduced to the academic, procedural, and social elements of your new community. Class sessions are interactive and focused on personal and academic growth, helping you to integrate your classroom learning with co-curricular activities and residence hall programming as you discover your place in your new community. This section of USI 130 is designed to address the specific goals of The Ripple Effect Learning Community and enrollment is limited to students enrolled in LC05.

Ripple Effect LC: Faculty and Staff

Dr. Lane Perry, ENT 195 Seminar
My name is Dr. Lane Perry and let's just say I am beyond excited to have you involved in The Ripple Effect Learning Community. In my 30 years on earth I have had the opportunity to see the 'ripple effect' of life and positive, educated action play out in a number of scenarios. From growing up in Saudi Arabia to my four years living in New Zealand, I have played witness and activist to organizing and promoting social change for the better. Along my journey of life I have traveled to over 40 countries (lived and taught in two), experienced the 2010 and 2011 Christchurch earthquakes, extensively researched student leadership development, and most recently become a father. Bring your head, heart, and soul and take the first steps towards becoming the "change you want to see in your world".

Dr. Cyndy Caravelis Hughes, Spring Semester Course
Dr. Caravelis Hughes' current research interests include the relationship between social threat and social control, the effect of inequality on crime, theoretical criminology, and the death penalty. In addition to her academic endeavors, has extensive field experience. Her prior positions include working as a legislative analyst for Florida's Commission on Capital Cases, as a crime intelligence analyst for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and as an academic instructor in both male and female correctional institutions.