OT instructor receives EUP Community Engagement Award

Holly Grieves, occupational therapy instructor at WMU-Grand Rapids, has received the Extended University Programs Community Engagement Award for 2015-16. The $1000 award is presented annually at spring convocation.

She received the award primarily because of work related to the launch of a new partnership between WMU's OT program in Grand Rapids and the community-based organization, Calvin College Rehabilitation Services (CCRS). Through this collaboration, WMU OT students connect with graduate students in Calvin College’s SLP, MSW and audiology departments and GVSU's PT department to develop treatment plans, provide co-treatment as indicated and learn from clinical supervisors of varying discipline.

"The partnership between our OT department and CCRS is a wonderful example of a true, collaborative community partnership," said Dawn Gaymer, associate provost for Extended University Programs. "The clinic leverages WMU's faculty and clinical expertise to help solve real community problems while expanding opportunities for our faculty and students. It is a model program, and is incredibly deserving of this award."

WMU OT students benefit from expanded fieldwork experiences and a greater depth of case studies and external sources in courses as a result of the partnership.

"We plan to fully invest the funds back into the clinic," said Grieves. "Either by utilizing the funds for specialized training in Constraint Induced Movement Therapy, other continuing education specific to the needs of our clients or to pursue additional equipment for utilization at CCRS."

The Extended University Programs Community Engagement Award is presented annually to instructors who, among other things, forge new partnerships with community-based organizations, who significantly revise program curricula or who help students find external collaborations to enhance their work in a course or in the program overall.