Integrated Coastal Programs Alignment Plan Overview

Integrated Coastal Programs (ICP) has its home base within the UNC Coastal Studies Institute (CSI) located at ECU’s Outer Banks Campus in Wanchese, North Carolina, while maintaining a vibrant presence on the Greenville campus. Our dynamic team comprises educators and researchers spanning diverse fields such as Geology, Anthropology, Oceanography, Fisheries Science, Ecology, Geography, Marine Science, and Engineering. Central to our efforts is the stewardship of the Semester at the Coast program, a transformative initiative providing ECU undergraduates the chance to study at the Outer Banks in an immersive experiential learning encounter spanning an entire semester. Collaboratively, we engage with other UNC institutions and many ECU departments, driving the Integrated Coastal Science doctoral program and producing top-tier interdisciplinary coastal scientists. Our commitment rests in conducting pioneering interdisciplinary coastal research propelled by external funding, expanding ECU’s mission, and addressing the varied needs of our coastal region.

Mission

Integrated Coastal Programs’ mission is to provide a transformative educational experience, conduct interdisciplinary scientific exploration and discovery, and build inclusive partnerships to address coastal challenges and foster the well-being of people and environments.

Vision

An internationally recognized leader in transdisciplinary coastal research, education, and engagement using scientific advances to enable effective solutions to complex challenges along the land-sea interface, helping coastal communities, ecosystems, and economies thrive.

Summary of ICP’s Alignment Plan Strategies

M1.2.1: ICP will increase ECU undergraduate enrollments and internships at the ECU Outer Banks Campus to increase the percentage of ECU students participating in this transformational and experiential learning program.

M2.1.1: ICP faculty will engage the local community and region through presentations of our science in such a way as to educate, advise, and support as needed and requested.

M2.1.2: ICP will offer standards-based academic programming for K-12 students and teachers on the ECU Outer Banks Campus and teacher programs that foster interest in marine and coastal STEM fields.

M2.1.3: ICP will create new programs for adult learners to increase awareness of research conducted on ECU’s Outer Banks Campus.

M2.2.1: ICP will increase externally funded coastal research in Eastern North Carolina.

M2.2.2: ICP will increase external funding for K-12 student/teacher and adult learner environmental outreach programming.

M3.2.1: ICP will expand funded research by partnering with centers of excellence, private industry, and non-profits that create mutually beneficial relationships with such entities.

M3.2.2: ICP Engagement Team will build new partnerships to expand geographical reach across NC and VA.

M3.3.1: ICP will target externally funded coastal research with environmental outcomes to improve economic and environmental resilience and increase sustainability.

V1.2.1: Include an online course within the Semester at the Coast Program.

V2.2.1: ICP will develop a field research safety manual to provide guidelines for safe and inclusive field research experiences for students, staff, and faculty.

V2.3.1: ICP faculty and staff will develop or join a pre-existing mentoring network.

Targeted Narrative

Integrated Coastal Programs (ICP) is proud to present our strategic missions and visionary priorities that encapsulate our commitment to student success, public service, and regional transformation.

CSI and ECU’s Outer Banks Campus represent the cornerstone of our transformative learning initiatives. By increasing ECU undergraduate enrollments and internships at the Outer Banks Campus, we provide students with immersive experiential learning opportunities that transcend traditional boundaries, nurturing the next generation of leaders in marine and coastal STEM fields. Looking ahead, our vision includes integrating online options within the Semester at the Coast Program, and we aim to leverage technology to enhance educational experiences. This forward-looking approach ensures that we remain at the forefront of innovative pedagogy, preparing our students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

ICP’s commitment extends beyond the classroom and campus into public service. ICP faculty actively engage with the local community, presenting scientific insights to educate, advise, and support as needed. From offering standards-based academic programs for K-12 students and teachers to creating avenues for adult learners to delve into our research, we aim to catalyze community empowerment and awareness. Our vision extends to creating a mentoring network, emphasizing the importance of supportive relationships in academic and professional development. By fostering a culture of mentorship, we seek to empower our community members and contribute to their long-term success.

ICP’s leadership role in regional transformation is underlined by our commitment to increase externally funded research in Eastern North Carolina. We are amplifying the impact of our environmental outreach programs and ensuring that our initiatives contribute to the economic and environmental resilience of the region. Recognizing the significance of field research, ICP is taking a proactive approach to safety and inclusivity. Developing a comprehensive field research safety manual underscores our commitment to providing guidelines that foster a secure and inclusive environment for students, staff, and faculty engaging in field experiences.

ICP is excited about the transformative journey ahead. The alignment of our mission and vision priorities positions ICP as a leader in coastal education, research, and community engagement. Together, we are shaping a resilient and sustainable future for our coastal and marine environments, leaving an enduring legacy for future generations.

Contact Dr. Stu Hamilton with questions or opportunities to collaborate.