Performance Learning? Performance Collaboration!
Dove and Databases
Dove, a local domestic violence and homeless shelter, is one of MUPC’s ongoing projects, allowing our consultants to work with students and faculty from Millikin’s Human Services department. Currently, both groups are working on putting together mock point-in-time (PIT) surveys for a database trial run before the coming semester’s real survey. Our consultants have been working to fill out these mock surveys in order to make improvements while using them to familiarize themselves with the database on Microsoft Access. Clarence, one of our Senior Consultants, is enjoying his second semester with Dove, saying “It’s nice to get to work with human services to get another perspective besides an IS one.”
Learning on the Job
Dove is one of MUPC’s unique projects, allowing our consultants to work with local organizations and other departments at Millikin while also giving them exposure to database systems. Associate consultants Anna and Amanda have joined Clarence on Dove this semester and are learning more in-depth information about Dove’s PIT processes and the functions of Microsoft Access. Currently, our consultants are working with entry forms for different demographics/characteristics while using visual basic modules, which (in this database) build reports from data entered.
After they finish this training, our consultants will start to prep the database for real data entry in the spring. Clarence, being the only returning consultant on this project, emphasized the importance of Dove’s mission by saying “Dove officials and those involved in the survey are all very knowledgeable and passionate about how this survey can help individuals and better the area. The Information gained from POI surveys are sent to the Federal Government and used to get funding, so it’s very important for community… I’m excited to see how the next survey goes, I didn’t really get to see it last year, so I’m ready to be a part of that whole process and see it through.”
Collaboration at its Finest
From MUPC’s perspective, our consultants are ready and willing to learn about the Dove database and do what they can to assist the organization. Mary Garrison, Professor of Social Work at Millikin University, provided a unique testimonial when asked about her thoughts on the collaboration of the Dove project:
