The meeting was held in 6061 Forbes Tower, the Physical Therapy Conference Room

Attending: Sue Whitney, Chairperson; Jean Blachere; David M. Crossman; Jack Daniel; Barbara Fredette, Kerry Holzworth; Tom Metzger; Susan Neuman; Tony Silvestre and guest Diane Davis from CIDDE.

1. CIDDE

Dr. Davis described the structure and services of CIDDE. CIDDE's current structure is a result of a merging of a number of programs including the faculty development office. Staff are no longer assigned to one program but may have responsibilities across many programs. Resources have not been increased despite the assignment of new responsibilities. Material was distributed describing the program.

Members agreed that many faculty members see CIDDE as a resource for assistance on technical issues and not faculty development issues. Dr. Davis asked the Committee for assistance in reducing that confusion. Dr. Daniel asked for ideas about what can be done to assist faculty improve teaching skills. A number of suggestions were made including, providing funds to send faculty to meetings and conferences, resources to assist faculty develop web pages, funds to hire consultants, and additional methods to identify and assist faculty in need of improved teaching skills. Committee members also suggested that material describing CIDDE services highlight and fully describe its faculty development role and services. Other suggestions were to increase visibility of the office, rename CIDDE, and re-examine and rewrite the mission statement. Dr. Davis told the Committee that there is currently no plan to replace the former director of the office of faculty development. Committee members expressed a need for more discussion of the topic.

2. Updates from the Chair

a. Dr. Whitney discussed plans to set up a university-wide "Council" to examine faculty development issues and the possible assignment of this responsibility to an Associate Provost.

b. The Committee discussed the Sorcinelli Report and asked the Chair to request the final recommendations of the report.

c. The report on peer evaluations will be discussed at the next Committee meeting.


The meeting adjourned at 1 pm.
Respectfully submitted by Dr. Silvestre