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The Mansfield Institute for Social Justice and Transformation, created in 1999 through a generous gift from the Mansfield Foundation, gives Roosevelt University a unique opportunity to develop an integrated program of curriculum, research, and outreach focused on social justice issues. The MISJT has two major initiatives, social justice programming and transformational learning. As stated on their website, "It is our goal to elevate and foster social consciousness among our students, faculty and members of our community, through a pedagogy of transformational learning and through rich social justice programming in the areas of human rights, social and political action, and the arts."

Social Justice Programming
The MISJT strives to provide innovative Social Justice Programming which raises consciousness within and beyond the Roosevelt University community, and inspires the realization of social justice and human rights. Their website explains: "Ultimately, our goal is to foster an expanded thought process focused on possibilities for transformation, through collaboration with individuals and groups engaged in the struggle to promote social justice and human rights."

Past events include:
 * One Book, One University lectures with Michelle Alexander, Jonathon Kozol, and Katha Pollitt.
 * Mansfield Lecturers Marian Wright Edleman, Barbara Katz Rothman and Paul Rogat Loeb.
 * Matthew Freeman Lecturers Anne Enke, Eric Klinenberg and Oscar A. Chacón.
 * The Cradle to College Pipeline Summit which brought together academics, community organizers, legislators, criminal justice professionals and students to discuss the "cradle to prison pipeline."

Transformational Learning
Transformational service learning is a teaching technique that has the following elements: (a) students serve in their communities in ways that closely relate to course material and learn how it applies to work in these settings; (b) the volunteer work is meaningful and meets the needs of the community partner and the student; (c) students reflect on and apply what they have learned in the community through course assignments to further their personal and professional development; and (d) students have the opportunity to interact with people who have been underprivileged and learn how to make a difference individually or on a broader level through social or civic action. This unique and innovative model of service learning developed at Roosevelt University presents opportunities for personal and social transformation, as students become engaged citizens who create change. See article: Service Learning as an Opportunity for Personal and Social Transformation [PDF]

MISJT's goal is to develop and implement Transformational Learning across the curriculum at Roosevelt University in ways that enhance and complement the University’s social justice mission. This initiative will include building sustainable relationships with community partners and social justice allies both locally and nationally. These partnerships will provide students with opportunities for learning beyond the classroom and will lead to an elevated sense of civic and social responsibility. Ongoing support and resources for faculty to design and implement courses will be provided to insure a transformative experience for all involved.

MISJT is dedicated to connecting students with social justice leaders at the community and national levels while also offering programming and community outreach. It is also committed to helping faculty incorporate transformational learning into their teaching by assisting faculty in finding community partners for placements, in course design or re-design, and by provideing support and resources through grant programs.

Current classes are listed on the MISJT Transformational Learning Blog and include resorative justice training at Morrill Elementary school in Chicago.

Faculty and Staff

 * Dr. Heather Dalmage, Director of the Mansfield Institute and Professor of Sociology
 * Nancy Michaels, M.A., Associate Director
 * Dr. Steven A. Meyers, Professor of Psychology and Mansfield Professor of Social Justice