Community-based Research Education in Eastern Kentucky
Frequently Asked Questions
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