2008 Woodie Awards
Expeditionary studies grows
Allen Kirmss
Issue date: 9/21/07 Section: News
Originally published: 9/27/07 at 6:50 PM EST
Last update: 9/27/07 at 6:49 PM EST
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Paddling through winding rivers, climbing mile-high mountains and skiing down powdered hills - these are just standard activities for students enrolled in the expeditionary studies program here at Plattsburgh State.
With 45 students currently enrolled, the program has grown at a rapid pace.
From its modest beginnings as the Adirondack Experience seven years ago, the major, which officially took the name expeditionary studies in fall 2005, has developed into the only one of its kind in the nation, Laurence Soroka, chair of the expeditionary studies department, said.
The program has grown so swiftly that, for those who wish to join, available slots are few at best.
Expeditionary studies major Tyler Curtis said, "I was fortunate to get in on the program the very first semester it started and I've seen it only get bigger, broader, and better. The major is unique among programs here at [PSUC] in that it focuses on leadership, risk management, planning, ethics and hard physical skills all rolled into one."
Soroka got the name "expeditionary" from a friend years prior to the establishment of the program.
"You can have fun and paddle a kayak any place. But the real richness of intellectual challenge was in thinking about expeditions and putting it all to go," Soroka said.
The program focuses on four primary disciplines, including rock climbing, ice climbing, free-heel skiing and sea kayaking. Students are required to receive 14 credits in each field.
"It's pretty well-suited for introducing people to touring in an open ocean environment, and ocean conditions," expeditionary studies instructor Steven Maynard said of the sea kayaking program.
The expeditionary studies program is not about the outdoors alone - there are also 18 required credits which involve in-class learning.
Additional classes are to be added within the next few years, Soroka said.
"The things I think are really exciting are that you come to college and get really educated and really learn to work at a pre-professional level," Soroka said.
With 45 students currently enrolled, the program has grown at a rapid pace.
From its modest beginnings as the Adirondack Experience seven years ago, the major, which officially took the name expeditionary studies in fall 2005, has developed into the only one of its kind in the nation, Laurence Soroka, chair of the expeditionary studies department, said.
The program has grown so swiftly that, for those who wish to join, available slots are few at best.
Expeditionary studies major Tyler Curtis said, "I was fortunate to get in on the program the very first semester it started and I've seen it only get bigger, broader, and better. The major is unique among programs here at [PSUC] in that it focuses on leadership, risk management, planning, ethics and hard physical skills all rolled into one."
Soroka got the name "expeditionary" from a friend years prior to the establishment of the program.
"You can have fun and paddle a kayak any place. But the real richness of intellectual challenge was in thinking about expeditions and putting it all to go," Soroka said.
The program focuses on four primary disciplines, including rock climbing, ice climbing, free-heel skiing and sea kayaking. Students are required to receive 14 credits in each field.
"It's pretty well-suited for introducing people to touring in an open ocean environment, and ocean conditions," expeditionary studies instructor Steven Maynard said of the sea kayaking program.
The expeditionary studies program is not about the outdoors alone - there are also 18 required credits which involve in-class learning.
Additional classes are to be added within the next few years, Soroka said.
"The things I think are really exciting are that you come to college and get really educated and really learn to work at a pre-professional level," Soroka said.
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