The Center for Opinion Research offers primary data collection services, technical assistance and survey research training to government agencies, private corporations, professional associations, the media and other organizations. Information produced by the Center is recognized as a valuable source of information by those involved in public policy, state government and the media. It is a resource for individuals seeking objective information about the major issues and problems facing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and its citizens. It benefits students by giving them experience with public opinion polling and survey research techniques; students handle some 10,000 telephone interviews annually. In 1997-1998, the Center had contracts for research projects totaling $222,000 from 23 clients.
Center for Politics and Public Affairs
The Center for Politics and Public Affairs promotes the study of politics and public policy, particularly as they relate to the region. The Center sponsors lectures on topics of current interest and collaborates with other organizations to bring differing perspectives. It benefits students by bringing legislative fellows to campus and offering internships opportunities. The Center also conducts research projects, publishes research reports and makes policy recommendations. In 1997-98, the Center logged 3,500 calls from the media.
The Environmental Institute was established in 1998 to catalyze the development of public policies, improved technologies and constructive enterprises that lead to environmental protection, cultural resource preservation and the sustainable utilization of natural resources. The Institute, the Lancaster Environmental Foundation, awards grants with funds from the Lancaster Environmental Foundation for studies on human impact on natural systems and resources and their sustainable use; to date some $60,000 has been committed. As of May 1999, four research projects had been completed and five more are underway.
The Geo-Graphics Laboratory provides Geographic Information Systems support and works on externally funded projects for a variety of agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and the Lancaster County Planning Commission. Geography students earn internship credit and gain valuable experience by participating in such projects.
The Leadership Institute, founded in 1998, aims to involve faculty and students in projects that promote productive corporate and government leadership in intercultural contexts. Projects sponsored to date include a six-month business executive training program for twelve directors of the Shanghai municipal government, training in business consulting for Millersville faculty, a corporate culture workshop for a technology company, an East Asian business training program, and a fellows/scholars program for a research institute. Although progress is positive, the program is still new and more information is needed for complete analysis of its effectiveness.
The interdisciplinary Regional Studies Center aims to facilitate faculty, student and community involvement in projects that promote study, knowledge, and appreciation of the rich cultural heritage and resources of south central Pennsylvania. Established in 1998, the Center is still in a nascent stage. It aims to organize and sponsor seminars, conferences, symposia, workshops, publications, curriculum development, research, and consultations, with community collaboration a hallmark of all activities.
The Safety and Technology Center aims to help area businesses and agencies meet modern occupational safety and health needs as well as technology requirements. In 1997-1998, the Center offered ten courses and generated over $23,000 in revenue. Participant evaluations have indicated high satisfaction.
The Small Business Institute (SBI) gives small business owners free, intensive business counseling from qualified business students working under expert faculty guidance. SBI students meet frequently over the course of an academic term with the small business owner to solve specific management problems. Clients receive a detailed report and an oral presentation on the actions they need to take to improve their business operations. Typically, the SBI takes on eight to ten clients a year.
Every year Millersville hosts hundreds of conferences and meetings, including approximately 70 conferences and camps each summer with roughly 10,000 guests. The extensive conference business we do demonstrates that we are meeting a critical regional need by providing businesses and agencies with venues for educational and development programs.
The Best Western Inn at Millersville, opened in 1996, has been an important addition to our conference facilities. It enables us to host multi-day conferences during the academic year and host summer conferences whose participants want more comfortable accommodations than traditional residence halls.
During 1998-1999, Millersville faculty and staff completed six contracts with area businesses and agencies, generating $106,400 in revenue. The contracts generally involved faculty consulting, training, and technical assistance. Contracting with external entities is not easy, because the time that Commonwealth attorneys require to approve contracts is quite lengthy. This discourages private businesses from doing business with the University. We nonetheless see promise in this area and intend to increase our activities to meet the needs of businesses, particularly in regard to workforce development.
We provide numerous other programs and services for the public and business community, many of which involve students in service learning (Appendix 9-1). In addition, through Link-to-Learn and the Keystone Library Network we are serving our region by offering greater access to a variety of electronic information sources (see Chapter 7).
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