C-58 Faculty in Transition: A Training
Program for First-Year Teachers
of First-Year Students
Leon Book, Director
Students in Transition & First-Year
Experience
Dale Haskell, Professor
Department of English
12th Annual Students in Transition Conference
Costa Mesa, CA
November 2005
Southeast Missouri State
University
Experience Southeast…
Experience Success
Personal Professional Practical
Bear with Us…
Southeast Facts…
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Founded in 1873
Located in Cape Girardeau, MO, a city of ~40K on
the Mississippi River between St. Louis and
Memphis
Comprehensive Regional State University
Moderately selective admission criteria
Average ACT: 22.5
More Southeast Facts…
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Record Fall 2005 enrollment: 10,400 Students
– 84% from Missouri
– 12% from Out-of-state
– 3% International students
– 1% Unknown origin
Students from
– 45 U.S. states
– 51 foreign nations
7.7% Minority
62% Female
Southeast Missouri State
University Service Region
How UI100 “Fits” into General
Education Program
•
UI100 required first-year interdisciplinary
seminar
3 hrs.
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1 course in each of 12 categories of
knowledge
36 hrs.
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2 interdisciplinary courses at the 300-level
6 hrs.
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1 interdisciplinary course at the 400-level
3 hrs.
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Total
48 hrs.
The Nine University Studies
Objectives
Students will demonstrate …
1. the ability to locate and gather information.
2. capabilities for critical thinking, reasoning
and analyzing.
3. effective communication skills.
4. an understanding of human experiences and
the ability to relate them to the present.
5. an understanding of various cultures and their
interrelationships.
The Nine University Studies
Objectives
Students will demonstrate …
6. the ability to integrate the breadth and
diversity of knowledge and experience.
7. the ability to make informed, intelligent value
decisions.
8. the ability to make informed, sensitive
aesthetic responses.
9. the ability to function responsibly in one's
natural, social and political environment.
Components of UI100 across
Sections
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Theme-based interdisciplinary seminar
 academic in nature, not “success” class
 required of 4-yr degree-seeking students
w/fewer than 24 hrs.
Significant emphasis on Objectives 1, 2,
and 3 (information literacy, critical thinking,
communication)
Components of UI100 across
Sections
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Theme as vehicle to practice set of objectives and
basis of assignments
Common/mutual assignments and expectations
across sections
1. Bibliographic assignment (e.g., term paper)
2. Oral presentation(s)
3. “Critique and Rebuttal” assignment
4. Critical thinking mini-portfolio
5. Connecting academic planning and career
planning: FOCUS career assessment
More about UI100 Fall 2005
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69 sections
45 interdisciplinary themes
59 Instructors
 15 “Newbies”
Sections taught in every building on campus!
Sections taught by every department except
one!
Sections taught via I-TV and on the web
More about UI100:
Regional Campuses
Regional Campuses
 Perryville
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Sikeston
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30 mi. south
Bootheel (Malden)
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30 mi. north
70 mi. south
Kennett
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90 mi. south
Complications with UI100
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Staff provided by academic deans
Little if any control over instructor
assignments
Diverse, disparate themes taught by faculty
from many disciplines
Complications with UI100
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Quality control issues
Faculty development issues
“Captive audience” concern: protecting faculty
and students from SURVEYS!
Questions about incentive for teaching UI100.
 1/8 of instructor’s load.
Four Obstacles to Motivating Faculty &
Administrators
Tribalism
 Elitism
 Content Worship
 Cost vs. Commitment
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What Motivates Faculty?
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Intrinsic Rewards:
 Self Esteem as Teachers
 Connection with Students
 Leadership/Mentoring Role
 Individuality/Creative Control
 Variety & Experimentation
 Loyalty/Commitment
What Motivates Faculty?
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Extrinsic Rewards:
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Cash $$$ (stipends, overloads,
bonuses, honoraria)
“Credit” toward tenure, promotion, or
merit pay
 Annual Reports on teaching,
scholarship, service
Concerns for Course Director
Finding the Talent
 Preparing for Success
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New Teacher Workshops (2 handouts)
Faculty meetings during the semester
Librarian partnerships
Invited Guest Presentations
Downloadable Forms and Information on website
Advisory Committee
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New Textbook & Workshop for all faculty
Roles for Course Director
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Supporting their Efforts
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Resources for course activities
Faculty Development Support
Providing Feedback
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IDEA Evaluations
New Teacher Portfolios (handout)
Portfolio Preparation Checklist (2 handouts)
Letters of appreciation/recommendation
Thanks for Joining Us!
--Dale & Leon
Experience Southeast…
Experience Success
Personal, Professional, Practical
Contact us!
Leon
Book
Director, Student Transitions & First-Year Experience
Southeast Missouri State University
Mail Stop 4300
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
573-651-2688
[email protected]
Dale
Haskell
Professor of English
Southeast Missouri State University
Mail Stop 2650
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
573-651-2629
[email protected]