Program · Minor

Principled Problem Solving Experience

TypeMinor
DepartmentInterdisciplinary Studies

The Principled Problem Solving Experience minor engages students in addressing complex social issues through the lens of Guilford’s Core Values.

Values-Based Learning

The Principled Problem Solving Experience (PPSE) minor is an issues-based teaching and learning community that combines traditional coursework and hands-on learning across disciplines to address complex social issues through the lens of Guilford’s Core Values.

Each PPSE topic is developed by a faculty team to help students engage a specific problem in a sustained and intentional manner. It includes required courses, skills development and hands-on learning such as an internship, fieldwork, travel seminar, project or other non-traditional learning opportunity related to the PPSE topic.

While the current topic of the PPSE minor is Every Campus a Refuge, an initiative that mobilizes college campuses to provide housing and other assistance to refugees, PPSE topics and learning communities regularly rotate and change. Past PPSE minors have explored such topics as ethical leadership.

With the understanding that multiple perspectives are necessary for seeking solutions, the Principled Problem Solving Experience minor sharpens students’ critical thinking and communication skills and prepares them to work collaboratively to address significant issues.

Internship Ideas

National Park Service, FoodCorps, Moore & Van Allen Law, Every Campus a Refuge, Cape Fear River Watch, Women’s Resource Center, Center for New North Carolinians, Brooklyn Cultural Adventures Program

Alumni Careers and Graduate Schools

U.S. Congressional staffer, AmeriCorps member, Camel City Dispatch writer, Gallery Director, University of Texas at Austin, Wake Forest University, Elon University Law School

Hands-on Learning

Guilford students have gained hands-on experience through internships at places including:

  • National Park Service
  • FoodCorps
  • Moore and Van Allen Law Firm
  • North Carolina State University Athletics
  • Every Campus a Refuge
  • Cape Fear River Watch
  • Quaker Yearly Meeting of Rwanda
  • Center for New North Carolinians
  • Women’s Resource Center
  • Brooklyn Cultural Adventures Program

College Catalog

For more information about courses within the Principled Problem Solving Minor, visit the Minors page in the College Catalog. In addition to the Undergraduate Catalog, information includes academic department and major information as well as academic regulations and resources; admission standards and requirements; and tuition, fees and financial aid information.

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