Hello Rachayita,
I believe this is the first time Julie has taught the course (she is new at WU). So the course is not “new” in that it already has a course number, but this faculty member’s version of the course is “new” and she built it from the ground up, selecting readings, developing assessment measures like reflection journal prompts, etc. Does that make sense?
I know Julie also spent a lot of time building new connections in the community, meeting with Kris and I to brainstorm a list of potential partners, then reaching out and scheduling one-on-ones with them, etc. My understanding from Julie is that the Psychology department has never placed students at these locations before. Julie has actually met with me four or five times over the past year and a half as she’s developed this and a graduate course on community psychology. She’s also started a CBR project with some of her graduate students and the Topeka Rescue Mission based on the relationship building/connection work we did together.
Hope that helps!