SPIG Minutes for Monday, September 13th, 2004

2:30-4 PM

Attendants: Anne Barron, Deborah Bordelon, Bart Everson, Michelle Falgoust, Lanny Foss, Susan Fredine, David Lanoue, and Todd Stanislav.

The minutes of the 6-30-04 meeting were reviewed and approved.

With regard to faculty involvement in the upcoming SWOT analysis, Anne stated the she would like to see more faculty members from departments that are not represented by the members of SPIG; these faculty members should include both those who have and have not been involved in CAT activities. Anne also recommended that other members of the administration be involved, such someone from the A&S Dean's Office.

Anne reviewed the VPAA's Planning Document 2002-2007. Goals include: to strengthen educational programs and educational support programs, to strengthen the faculty, to increase the number of graduates who enter graduate school, and to balance enrollments in departments. Anne briefly mentioned some of the subgoals associated with each goal.

David inquired about ways that CAT could support the efforts of the VPAA office to assess student learning. Anne mentioned having Center staff observe and provide feedback to faculty on their teaching.

Todd asked Anne what she considered to be the linkages between the VPAA's Planning Document and SPIG and/or CAT. Anne stated that the primary goals of the VPAA's planning document will not change.

David pointed out that CAT is planning meetings with its Advisory Group regarding support for new faculty members. David noted that the VPAA's Office does a lot to support new faculty members. Anne also noted that strengthening the faculty begins with the hiring process.

The SPIG members discussed the upcoming SWOT analysis and the assistance of Janet Gillespie. The members welcomed Janet's assistance. The members asked Todd to correspond with Janet regarding the following questions:

  1. What is the maximum number of people that you think can successfully and efficiently (say, within 3-4 hours) complete a SWOT analysis? What is a good number of people (or even a range) to aim for?
  2. What kind of research should or could we do before we begin the SWOT analysis?

Depending on Janet's response to the first set of questions, Lanny and Susan will identify other faculty and administrators who may participate in the SWOT analysis.

There was brief discussion about the appropriate amount to compensate Janet for her assistance. The members also agreed that the SWOT analysis should occur on a Saturday in October.

Consultants' Report - The group discussed the report compiled by consultants Jack Rossman and Jane Miller. They agreed that a conference call was not necessary. They asked Todd to follow-up with Jack and Jane by asking if they can provide examples of faculty development centers or others (e.g., colleges, universities, institutional research) that "collect (and analyze) systematically data that would demonstrate a direct link between faculty development activities and student learning." Lanny noted that this is a grand idea, but very complex. Lanny also indicated his emphatic agreement with the consultants' recommendation that a "teaching-learning specialist" in CAT should "have the specific skills required to help assess the impact of the Center's activities on student learning...."

With regard to the consultants' recommendation that the "next (step) in the planning process should be the development of a statement of goals and objectives" the SPIG members agreed that this statement of goals and objectives will be an outgrowth of the upcoming SWOT analysis.

David noted, with regard to the consultants' recommendations regarding data analysis and synthesis, that the Center should provide feedback to those who complete the Center's surveys.

David also noted that the report did not include a recommended timeline or task management plan as concerns the Center's assessment work.

Finally, there was discussion about the amount of data that is not yet fully analyzed or synthesized. Lanny offered the assistance of a work/study student in this effort.

— Minutes respectfully submitted by Michelle Falgoust,
Administrative Assistant in the Center for the Advancement of Teaching

See also: SPIG