Community-based Research Education in Eastern Kentucky

Frequently Asked Questions

CREEK Photograph

Who is involved in the program?
CREEK engages community members with students and faculty in the course of their academic work. This program combines classroom learning with social action in ways that educate community groups to address their own needs and find answers within their communities. At the same time, it emphasizes the development of knowledge and skills that truly prepare students for active civic engagement.

Who are the community mentors that I could work with?
CREEK students may work with representatives from state and local health agencies, people working in public and private sectors, community-based organizations and universities who come together to address community health concerns in an effective and culturally-relevant manner. Though no one organization can speak for all members of a community, many are actively engaged in listening to, educating, and representing area residents. Effective collaborations move us all toward a healthier and safer community using strategies arrived at through the knowledge of informed community leaders and residents and helpful experts in health issues.

Who are the students?
A typical CREEK student is any student who has completed her/his undergraduate studies at a regional college or university. Advanced undergraduate students will also be considered for admission to the CREEK program, if qualified.

How many students are accepted each year?
A maximum of twenty students will be accepted each fall semester.

How do I get academic credit for my CREEK courses?
With the agreement of their academic advisors, students may receive elective credit for CREEK courses through the University of Kentucky or their own college.

Where do the CREEK classes meet?
CREEK tries to make it possible for interested students to attend courses by meeting in a central location and by arranging for compressed video hookups when possible. Because an important goal of the CREEK program is establishing comfortable and supportive ties with other community-based researchers, students gather at one location at least 30% of the time. Whenever possible, the course schedule takes the needs of students and faculty into account.

What UK Department is sponsoring CREEK?
The headquarters of the CREEK program is located at the UK Center for Excellence in Rural Health in Hazard, Kentucky. A variety of other departments are involved with CREEK, including the Department of Behavioral Science, the Prevention Research Center and the College of Public Health.

What does CREEK require of me?
CREEK students take two courses each academic year, one 3-credit course in the fall semester and one in the spring. Students should plan to enroll in both courses during each year of participation. It takes a full year for students to participate in a complete mentored, community-based research project, often a pilot study for a larger study. In the second year of participation, students may extend the study completed in the first year or design a second, more advanced study. All students are expected to submit a substantive research paper each year, to be added to the internet-based CREEK repository.

How do I get credit for the work toward my own degree or program?
CREEK students are usually able to arrange to take CREEK courses for elective credit within their own academic programs. Students should discuss this with their academic advisors or seek the advice of department faculty. CREEK will be glad to provide information about the CREEK program to faculty advisors and academic departments.

How do I apply?
For full consideration, CREEK urges students to apply as early as possible. To access the CREEK application, click here: www.uky.edu/programs/CREEK/students.

What are the application deadlines?
Students who wish to participate in the CREEK program must apply for admission to CREEK and also be admitted as a student at a participating college or university. CREEK courses can be taken for credit at the University of Kentucky or through the student’s home college or university. To receive credit through UK, students must follow the deadlines set for admission to the university, be eligible to enroll in a graduate course, and register for the CREEK course by the deadline set by the university. Please visit www.uky.edu/uksb07/subpages/students.html for information about admission to UK. Please submit your application for the CREEK program by July 1, 2008 for the 2008-2009 academic year. Please note that the deadline for admission to a participating college or university or for course registration may be different from this date. It is the responsibility of prospective students to find out what these deadlines are and to meet them.

How do I pay for courses in the CREEK program?
CREEK courses are included in regular tuition fees at each student’s college or university. Consult the financial aid office at your college or university to find out how adding CREEK courses will affect your individual financial aid package.

For more information:
Cynthia M. Cole, Ph.D.
CREEK Program Director
UK Center for Excellence in Rural Health
750 Morton Blvd.
Hazard, KY 41701
Telephone: 606-439-3557, ext 83568
Toll-free: 800-851-7512, ext 83568
Mobile: 606-438-2718
Email: colecyn@uky.edu