Committee on University College Annual Report

Committee membership:

Patricia Calderwood, Chair

Betsy Bowen

Chris Huntley

Carole Pomerico

Sallyanne Ryan

Doug Lyon

Edna Wilson

The committee on University College met formally 4 times this academic year:

Monday September 15, 2003 (in attendance: Bowen, Calderwood, Huntley, Pomerico, Ryan, Wilson)

Monday October 20, 2003 (in attendance: Bowen, Calderwood, Huntley, Pomerico, Ryan, Wilson)

Wednesday, December 10, 2003 (in attendance: Bowen, Calderwood, Huntley, Pomerico, Ryan, Wilson)

Wednesday March 31, 2003 (in attendance: Bowen, Calderwood, Huntley, Wilson)

Principal topics considered:

  1. Preparation for and implementation of a Faculty Development Session on December 10, 2003, in coordination with the FDEC.  The focus of the session was to inform the faculty about teaching in University College, study abroad (and its fun corollary, teaching abroad), and advising the adult learner.  About 25 faculty attended the workshop. Carole Pomerico was our lead faculty person for the workshop.  She worked closely with Dean Wilson on the project.
  2. Examination of the Journal of Record, undertaken by Betsy Bowen and Chris Huntley. This investigation was undertaken in order to ascertain that practice is consistent with policy.  This appears to be so. (If there are questions that we cannot answer at the general faculty meeting, we will include them on our agenda for next year.)
  3. Initial examination of an ÒincubatorÓ role University College can play for new programs that are not easily housed in existing departments, but that respond to emerging needs and demands.   The committee will maintain its continuing emphasis on following the established approval process laid out in the Handbook.
  4. The committee suggested that Dean Wilson meet with new faculty early in the year to welcome and inform them about University College.  In response, Dean Wilson has agreed to hold a welcome lunch, sponsored by this committee, for new faculty.
  5. The committee suggested that Dean Wilson invite second year faculty to serve on the DeanÕs Advisory Council and/or other advisory groups that might be formed.  There are several positive anticipated effects:  the fresh, new perspectives of our colleagues will enrich University college administration and personnel; our newer colleagues will have additional opportunities for service to the University.  In response, Dean Wilson will inquire among second year faculty about their interest in participating.

Future agenda items

  1. The committee will work to clarify its charge to study and make recommendations on academic policies for the undergraduate program of UC. One important consideration is to find or develop good models for thinking through ideas, so as to allow for growth and responsiveness. The committee will consider ways to clarify the formal process that includes faculty at all stages. 
  2. The committee will discuss possibilities for continued or new collaboration with the other schools of the University.
  3. The committee will consider how University College can carry out the Jesuit ideals of meeting the unmet needs of the community, such as financial aid for part-time students.

 

To Father Van Arx:

One of the most important foci of the committee on University College has been to assist Dean Wilson in a forward-looking change in the way that University College operates.  We have concentrated on strengthening the interactions between University College and the University faculty governance system, supported the Dean as she has developed good working relations with University departments, and encouraged innovation in the enlistment of interested faculty for teaching, advising and other activities with University College.  In our roles as representatives of the faculty we are hopeful that University College can continue and expand its productive work.   We need support to increase faculty involvement in teaching and advising of UC students, through encouragement of innovation with regard to faculty load, adequate support for departments so that each can further develop their collaboration with University College without further strain on their resources, and sufficient compensation for faculty who take on work with University College in addition to their basic teaching load.  We also look for leadership in finding ways to serve our local communityÕs unmet needs, perhaps by increased funding to assist part-time students.