transforming challenges into opportunities
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Transforming Challenges into Opportunities. Margaret (Peg) McManus, Ph.D. Associate Dean School of Arts and Sciences La Salle University www.lasalle.edu Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences 45th rd Annual Meeting November 11, 2010. OR. How to make lemonade out of lemons! . Topics. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
Margaret (Peg) McManus, Ph.D.Associate Dean
School of Arts and SciencesLa Salle Universitywww.lasalle.edu
Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences45thrd Annual MeetingNovember 11, 2010
ORHow to make lemonade
out of lemons!
Topics Overview of La Salle University Challenges and opportunities Best Practices
La Salle University Philadelphia, PA
6,221 students, 300 full-time faculty Urban, comprehensive, Master’s II De La Salle Christian Brothers University
http://www.lasalle2.org/
The Will to Excel: Strategic Initiatives Creating academic distinctiveness and
promoting student success Support a Lasallian education rooted in:
Context – our urban location Practicality – linking theory and practice Social ends of learning – commitment to
others Expand our international dimension
Maximizing resources Develop, promote, and support
entrepreneurial activities, programs, and strategic initiatives
Challenges Urban location Theory and Practice
Perception of low level of intellectualism Level of students’ writing
Social ends of learning Aging core curriculum
International dimension Resources
Urban Location
Low level of connection to the City of Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Center;
Freshman YearOdyssey activities
Cultural passport to Philadelphia attractions
Urban Location Subway series for city resources Phreshman Philly Phind Cultural Passport
Magic Gardens Franklin Institute Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts African American Museum in
Philadelphia
Intellectualism
Low attendance at intellectual events
Energy and excitement generated
Essential Question on economic justice
New Science and Technology Building
Explorer Café every Wednesday afternoon;
Catholic Relief Services
Vision and mission Collaboration Community engagement Innovation Identity development
Campus wide programming Explorer Café
“By assembling a large group of critical thinkers from a variety of departments each week– students, faculty, and staff alike—to discuss crucial issues of justice and ethics in the arts, science, health, and business communities… well, this is the embodiment of our mission statement at La Salle.”
William A. Price, Ph.D., Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Explorer Cafes “Sustainable development across the globe” “Medical ethics and biological ownership” “Business ethics and environmental
responsibility” “Immigration law and the DREAM Act”
Panels, lectures, workshops Film screenings, exhibitions, contests
Community Partnerships Essential Question Philadelphia Center Science in Society
Course integration Faculty and staff development
Students’ Writing
Poor achievement in writing
Pilot of two new writing courses
Alignment with best practices in Rhetoric and Composition
First Year Writing Program Course sequence across student’s
academic career ENG 110 – shared knowledge base ENG 210 – Interdisciplinary, academic
research 300 level course in the major 400 level capstone course
Rhetorical focus (Theory of composition) Connects curricula to social practices
Core Curriculum
Aging core curriculum
Focus groups with faculty & advisory council
Redefined mission and goals of a core curriculum
Discussion of a Core Curriculum Arts and Sciences ad hoc
committee Mission statement Learning goals
International Dimension
Low number of international experiences and students
Study abroad sites;
Travel Study courses;
Student Exchange
Increased number of students with international experiences
International Dimension Study Abroad sites
Lasallian network La Salle Global Scholars (Fall 2011)
Travel Study courses Interdisciplinary and interdivision
courses
Maximizing Resources
Budget constraints
West Campus property acquisition
Expanded facilities and programs
Maximizing Resources Campus expansion by 33% West Campus Facilities for:
Psychological Clinic LADDER Family Center Art Studio
Main Campus Facilities for: Psychology department
Best Practices for Success Align with mission and strategic plan Connect interdisciplinary & inter-school
units Maximize the use of minimal funding Build on existing strengths Seize opportunities Involve faculty and staff from all ranks Plan for future leadership
For further information, contact:
Peg McManus, Associate DeanLa Salle University