CATE Issues in Agriculture
Issues-360
Communicate with Confidence on Critical Issues
Let’s be honest. Most of us look at any topic through our own lens of experiences, background, and spheres of influence. But wouldn’t we be better off by learning to see things from a different vantage point? Wouldn’t that help us grow, respond, and maybe even change our perspective? This program will help you understand critical and controversial topics and create positive, productive discussion about them using:
- Sound decision-making
- Constructive dialogue
- Personal and social responsibility
Issues-360 offers you a yearlong- full-circle view of public engagement. You’ll gain confidence and compassion to discuss critical issues in ways that simultaneously influence and respect others – essential skills for a trusted future face of agriculture.
INFO SESSIONS coming soon! Learn more on April 20 & 26, 2021 - see the flyer for more information.
Contact Us
Mary Helen Halsema
issues360@purdue.edu
(765) 494-8473
Dig Deeper
In order to apply for the Issues-360 Fellowship Program for the 2021-22 school year, you must be a sophomore or junior in the College of Agriculture at Purdue University in good academic standing. See application deadline in the Application tab below.
*** 2021-22 ANNOUNCEMENT***
Issues-360 was suspended for the 2020-21 academic year due to the in-person meeting restrictions across campus. Because of this, students who will be seniors in the 2021-22 academic year will be considered for the 2021-22 Issues-360 cohort (typically only sophomores and juniors are accepted).
Purdue Agriculture sophomores and juniors in good academic standing may apply for the Issues-360 Fellowship Program (EXCEPTION: For the 2021-22 Issues-360 cohort, students who will be seniors in 2021-22 will be considered for the program).
By applying for the program, applicants agree to attend and fully participate in all monthly sessions, the fall overnight retreat, and the spring all-day retreat. Refer to the Events tab to review the program dates for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Monthly sessions begin at 5:30 pm with dinner provided, followed by program content from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on noted Tuesday evenings (2021-22 events may be virtual depending on government and university recommendations). Program content may include communication and engagement activities, interactive presentations, team building, guest speakers, engagement projects and more.
FOR 2021-22 APPLICANTS:
EARLY-DECISION APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MAY 4, 2021 at 11:59PM.
FALL APPLICATION DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 at 11:59PM.
2021-22 event dates may be virtual or in-person, depending on recommendations from the government and university.
Issues-360 program dates for 2021-2022:
- September 15, 2021
- October 6, 2021
- Fall Overnight Retreat Weekend (Camp Tecumseh) - October 29-30, 2021
- November 10, 2021
- December 8, 2021
- January 12, 2022
- February 9, 2022
- Spring All-Day Retreat (near campus) - February 19 or 26, 2022
- March 9, 2022
- April 6, 2021 - Engagement Project Presentations
- April 27, 2022 - Ag Annual Spring Awards Banquet
Fellows who complete the entire Issues-360 program are recognized for their achievements at the College of Agriculture's Annual Spring Awards Banquet in April 2022.
As controversial issues in food, agriculture, science and the environment are explored with others, Issues-360 Fellows are expected to adhere to a set of five principles that guide attitudes, thoughts, and behaviors. While many issues can be challenging or met with resistance, these guiding principles can instruct fellows on how to interact amongst themselves and with others in ways that are positive, respectful, and constructive.
Respect for democratic society. Our democratic system of government provides each of us the right to speak freely and engage in issues that affect us. We must remember that everyone has this freedom, even when we vehemently disagree with another’s opinion. It is within this broader societal context that we remember the gifts of our democracy – the freedom to engage in issues that we care about and the freedom of speech.
Respect for others. Issues are controversial because we perceive issues and each other differently. This is a complex emotional and cognitive process. Each of us is influenced by many things, such as the community we come from, our family and friends, groups we belong to, our life experiences, as well as our personality, biases, prejudices, fears, and more. And, because we live in such a diverse society, these influential factors uniquely affect our mindsets, values, beliefs, and knowledge about issues associated with food, agriculture, science and the environment. While we do not have to agree with others, we should respect them. We show respect when we keep our emotions, attitudes, and actions in check; and we remain focused on the substantive issues, not the person. In this way, we are able to build more trusting relationships, communicate with civility, and collaborate with others in hopes of finding mutually satisfying outcomes to the issue. However, mutual agreement is not a prerequisite for respecting others and may at times mean that we respectfully choose to disagree.
Respect for science-based knowledge. Scientific information informs sound decision making. Credible sources of data and information enable us to better understand the issues, create innovative alternatives, analyze alternatives in terms of their costs and benefits, and make more fully informed decisions. At the same time, many of the controversial issues in agriculture and natural resources cannot be resolved with simple technical solutions because they involve conflicting values. Scientific information cannot be a substitute for the value-based choices that people make, nor can science identify the most appropriate set of values. Critical thinking skills enable us to discern credible, fact-based information from uninformed opinions.
Respect for critical thinking. Critical thinking enables us to explore issues and ideas before accepting or formulating an opinion or conclusion. As we explore complex issues, we examine the evidence and critically reflect on our own assumptions, fears and biases to make fully informed decisions. Critically understanding ourselves allows us to more objectively assess the various sides of a given issue and engage in problem-solving activities with others.
Respect for ourselves. Respecting ourselves means having a healthy confidence that enables us to engage with others around these tough issues in a way that is constructive and respectful. A healthy confidence is built over time as we open ourselves to learning, not only more about the issues and other perspectives, but more about ourselves. This requires us to examine our own pre-conceived assumptions, beliefs, and biases that we have about issues and about other individuals or groups. This requires taking some personal risks and continually striving to stretch ourselves in unfamiliar directions. Sometimes we will feel uneasy and disturbed, but we know that we have the strength to work through it. Taking these “inner journeys” will take us to new levels of understanding and being. Respect for ourselves also means that we take responsibility for our actions when they are harmful to others.
Areas of Skill Development:
- Assessment & Feedback & Effective Communication
- Civility & Respect
- Conflict Management
- Critical Thinking
- Cultural Awareness
- Empathy
- Listening
- Openness
- Personal Awareness
- Science-Based Knowledge
- Trustworthiness & Integrity
Issues-360 Leadership Team
- Beth Forbes - Science Communication Director & Continuing Lecturer for Agricultural Sciences Education & Communication
- Mary Helen Halsema - Assistant Director for Transformational Education & Academic Excellence
- Dr. Linda Pfeiffer - Assistant Professor of Agricultural Sciences Education & Communication
- Dr. Mark Tucker - Professor of Agricultural Sciences Education & Communication
- Hope Goudy - Administrative Assistant for the Office of Academic Programs
Class Fellows
Class Seven Students
- Laura Barrett, Agricultural Economics - Rockford, OH
- Kamryn Dehn, Aquatic Science, Marine Biology - Frankfort, IN
- Melinda Dodson, Animal Sciences - Walkerton, IN
- Joey Gerteisen, Plant Science - Newburgh, IN
- Grace Hasler, Agricultural Economics & Agricultural Communications - Columbus, IN
- Shelby Henry, Agricultural Sales & Marketing - Michigantown, IN
- Cora Hill, Agricultural Education - Warren, IN
- Kalynda Hoevener, Agricultural Education - Austin, IN
- Gracie Johnson, Agricultural Communications - Greenfield, IN
- Savannah Kerkhoff, Agribusiness Management - Thorntown, IN
- Micah Lehe, Food Science - West Lafayette, IN
- Cameron Matthews, Biochemistry - Middletown, IN
- Bridget Noble, Animal Sciences - Indianapolis, IN
- Tejashree Shah, Food Science - Skokie, IL
- Emma Swain, Agribusiness - Fishers, IN
Class Six Fellows
- Sohinee Bera, Agricultural Communications - West Lafayette, IN
- Nathan "Nate" Bowser, Plant Genetics, Breeding & Biotechnology - Syracuse, IN
- Nicholas "Nick" Bowser, Agricultural Economics & Agricultural Communications - Syracuse, IN
- Josephine Cameron, Agricultural Economics - Coatesville, IN
- Hayley DeHaan, Agricultural Sales & Marketing & Agricultural Communications - McMinnville, OR
- Kaitlyn Gabhart, Animal Sciences - Loogootee, IN
- Doria Gilberg, Animal Sciences - Middleburg, VA
- Mason Gordon, Applied Agricultural Economics - Rushville, IN
- Chase Gripp, Agricultural Systems Management - Sheffield, IL
- Blake Hinch, Agribusiness Management - Lake Forest, IL
- Jocelyn "Jocie" Kleiman, Animal Sciences: Biosciences - Greenfield, IN
- Sara Lechlider, Agribusiness Management & Turf Management & Science - Gaithersburg, MD
- Grant Mohler, Agricultural Economics - Frankfort, IN
- Madisyn Murphy, Animal Sciences - St. Joseph, IN
- Shoko Nakatake, Insect Biology - Japan
- Kelley Roberts, Agronomy: Crop & Soil Management - Goodland, IN
- Claire Schloemer, Agronomy: International - St. Marys, OH
- Sara Schwarzkopf, Animal Sciences: Biosciences -
- L. Kristen Senn, Animal Sciences -
- Elizabeth Simmermeyer, Animal Sciences - Brookville, IN
- Morgan Uebelhor, Animal Sciences -
- Bennett Walther, Applied Agricultural Economics - Centerville, IN
- Kate Watkins, Animal Sciences - Angola, IN
- Megan Wiley, Agricultural Communication - Westfield, IN
- Paige Wininger, Agricultural Sales & Marketing - Waveland, IN
- Emma Wischmeier, Agribusiness Management - Columbus, IN
- Neil Zhao, Food Science -
- Laura Zimmerman, - Animal Sciences - Great Falls, VA
Class V Fellows
- David Armbruster, Landscape Architecture - Brownsburg, IN
- Lilian Armour, Agribusiness Management - Cicero, IN
- Megan Arnold, Agribusiness Management - Coatesville, IN
- Abigail Clifford, Animal Sciences - Odon, IN
- Caroline Crosslin - Agricultural Economics - Danville, IN
- Diana DiPretoro, Plant Genetics, Breeding & Biotechnology - Havertown, PA
- Jace Geiger, Farm Management - Markle, IN
- Leah Jacobs, Agricultural Sciences Education & Communication - Shirley, IN
- Samantha Klemme - Agricultural Sales & Management - Otterbein, IN
- Nelson Knobloch, Agribusiness Management - Wolcott, IN
- Katriel Marks, Agribusiness Management - Carmel, IN
- Haley Mood, Agribusiness Management - North Salem, IN
- Katie Nixon, Farm Management - Muncie, IN
- Myra Rademacher, Agricultural Education - Eagle Point, OR
- Cassidy Robinson, Forestry & Wildlife - Hagerstown, IN
- Dalton Smith, Agricultural Economics - Coatesville, IN
- Rachel Stoner, Agricultural Education & Animal Sciences - Valparaiso, IN
- Elizabeth Tedder, Biological Engineering - Hope, IN
- Carrie Winklepleck, Agronomic Business & Marketing - Odon, IN
- Zifan Zhu, Agricultural Systems Management - Qingdao, China
Class Four Fellows
- Charlaine "Lanie" Barth, Agricultural Communication - Moses Lake, WA
- Meghan Boucher, Food Science - South Burlington, VT
- Joshua Calhoun, Agricultural Education - Hope, IN
- Chancelor "Chance" Clark, Plant Genetics, Breeding & Biotechnology - Danville, IN
- Joanna Claudy, Animal Sciences - Angola, IN
- Bailey Bromstrup-Crowder, Agricultural Education - French Lick, IN
- Kelly Dressler, Agricultural Education - Clinton, IN
- Mekenzie Gear, Animal Sciences - Delphi, IN
- Sheradan Hill, Agricultural Communication - Anderson, IN
- Julia Johnson, Animal Science & Bioscience - Bloomfield Hills, MI
- Grant Knobloch, Agricultural Systems Management - Wolcott, IN
- Brianna Lammers, Agricultural Education - Huntingburg, IN
- Jiayi Lin, Natural Resources & Environmental Science - Shenzhen, China
- Caitlinn Lineback, Food Science - Lafayette, IN
- Dhruv Neema, Agribusiness Management - Indore, MP, India
- Aleah Scheurich, Animal Sciences - Rensselaer, IN
- Kayla Schneider, Agribusiness Sales & Marketing - Brownstown, IN
- Peile "Penny" Wang, Food Science - Dongying City, China
- Khyla Wilson, Agribusiness Sales & Marketing - Walton, IN
- Morgan Winder, Agricultural Education & Agricultural Economics - Goodland, IN
- Brittany Wolford, Agronomic Business & Marketing - Daytona Beach, FL
Class Three Fellows
- Kendra Arnholt, Animal Sciences - Columbus, IN
- Britt A. Copeland, Agribusiness - Madison, IN
- Odalys Cubillo, Natural Resources and Environmental Science - East Chicago, IN
- Mary Grace Erickson, Animal Sciences - Clarks Hill, IN
- Benjamin Knapke, Agribusiness - Portland, IN
- Arren Liu, Biological Engineering - Thousand Oaks, CA
- Meicen Liu, Animal Sciences - Beijing, China
- Mallory Meyer, Animal Sciences - Columbus, IN
- Kylie M O'Connor, Agribusiness - Columbus, IN
- Jameson Pierce, Wildlife - Bedford, IN
- Shania Ray, Agribusiness - Frankton, IN
- Marissa R. Richardson, Agricultural Economics - LaGrange, IN
- Sydney Rivera, Food Sciences - Indianapolis, IN
- Austin Scheetz, Natural Resources and Environmental Science - Flower Mound, TX
- Priyanka Shankar, Sustainable Biomaterials - Dubai, Arab Emirates
- Matthew Summerlot, Agricultural Education - Jasper, IN
- Tyler Tonner, Agricultural Systems Management - Bluffton, IN
- Amber Wampler, Agribusiness - Jenkintown, PA
Class Two Fellows
- Mark S. Aronson, Biological Engineering - Westborough, MA
- Jessica-Lena E. Bohlin, Agronomy - Laporte, IN
- Katelyn "Katie" M. Carroll, Agricultural Economics - Prather, CA
- Catherine "Katie" M. Chustak, Agricultural Education - Mishawaka, IN
- Shelby E. Cummings, Biochemistry - West Lafayette, IN
- Gavin D. Kissel, Agricultural Economics -Princeton, IN
- Kara S. McKinney, Food Sciences - Indianapolis, IN
- Merle L. Mullet, Agricultural Economics - Goshen, IN
- Ryan W.R. Schroeder, Natural Resources & Environmental Science - Goshen, IN
- Ross M. Smith, Agricultural Economics - Pittsboro, IN
- Ethan R. Wieland, Agricultural Economics - Princeville, IL
Class One Fellows
- Katie Bierrum, Landscape Architecture - Star City, IN
- Armenda Boyer, Agricultural Communications/Agricultural Economics - Kirklin, IN
- Jamie Hans, Plant Genetics, Breeding & Biotechnology - Noblesville, IN
- Michelle Hemler, Natural Resources and Environmental Science - Granger, IN
- Quinton Nannet, Biochemistry - Crawfordsville, IN
- Austin Prechtel, Fisheries and Aquatic Science - Farmersburg, IN
- Holly Renner, Animal Sciences - Jasper, IN
- Stephanie Schramm, Biological Engineering - Oak Forest, IL
- Tana Simmons, Agricultural Communications/Sales and Marketing - Tipton, IN
- Nicole Smith, Natural Resources/Environmental Science - Plainfield, IN
- Shelby Swain, Agribusiness - Marketing Concentration - Fishers, IN
- Daron A. Wilson, Agricultural Economics - Commodity Marketing - Daleville, IN
“I feel I have developed a more in-depth, active listening skill. The important thing I’ve learned, that I have used every day, is that it is okay to pause in conversation – to just sit and digest what has been said before responding. I also love how open everyone is and how everyone is eager to share and participate in the program.”
— Cassidy Robinson, Forestry & Natural Resources