Global Collaborative Challenge

During Wintersession, the entire junior class and postgraduate students work on a series of global issues. Students are placed into randomly-selected groups of five, and each group chooses a topic from a wide range of global issues — from healthcare to mass pollution to international policy. Students collaborate to address these relevant global issues and are challenged to fine-tune their communication skills when showcasing their findings to a faculty panel in a 12-minute presentation.

After the presentation, the group must defend its position in a Q&A panel format. The group is graded on its ability to address the enormity of the global issue, the depth of their research, the quality of the presentation, the collaborative dynamics of the group, and the group’s defense of its presentation. This aspect of the Practicum for Civic Leadership is designed to encourage boys to become creative problem-solvers and informed communicators. 

How is it graded?

The Global Collaborative Challenge is graded as High Pass, Pass, or Fail. This Practicum is reported on the student’s transcript and given two academic credits.


Tackling Real-World Problems

A group of Trinity-Pawling students present their Global Collaborative Challenge findings

Edward Snowden, Hero or Traitor?

A group of Trinity-Pawling students present their Global Collaborative Challenge findings

Are mandatory minimum prison sentences good public policy?

A group of Trinity-Pawling students present their Global Collaborative Challenge findings

Defend a policy for professional athletes addressing off-the-field legal issues.

A Trinity-Pawling student presents his Global Collaborative Challenge findings

Should professional athletes be allowed to compete in the Olympics?

Students learn how to work as a team, put forth a quality presentation, and literally think on their feet — especially when asked questions by the faculty panel. These skills are essential.
Slade Mead,
Director of College COunseling