Academic Affairs News

Next week many of our students will be enjoying a respite from classes, and looking forward to warmer weather and the rejuvenating power of spring.  Let’s not forget that Spring Break also signals that the midpoint of the semester is rapidly approaching.  This is often a critical juncture for our students, as they may begin to feel overwhelmed with the prospect of meeting their course requirements.  Please keep up the great work of reminding our students there are numerous resources available to assist them in their journey of success.
 
Following is an update on several of our important student-centered initiatives:
 
The Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL)
On Friday, February 15, the ACUE inaugural cohort assembled to launch ACUE’s Course on Effective Teaching Practices.  I had the pleasure of welcoming the 34-member cohort, which includes faculty from all five academic colleges and over twenty departments.  These dedicated colleagues met with ACUE representatives and created their first module.  Together with ACUE, we will enhance active learning, improve student outcomes, and make educators’ work more rewarding, meeting the goals outlined in our strategic plan.
 
The Office of the Provost, together with CITL, is launching the Teaching Excellence video series. WKU boasts many terrific educators, and we want to both celebrate them and share some of their teaching wisdom.  This week, we feature Naomi Rowland from the Department of Biology [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qduoT_aI_4]. If you would like to nominate a colleague for this series, please email Prof. Marko Dumančić [marko.dumancic@wku.edu].
 
CITL has successfully launched its two-hour Training on Peer Observation with the School of Kinesiology, Recreation & Sport.  If your department or unit is interested in finding out more about the peer observation process and wish to learn teaching strategies that are guaranteed to increase student engagement, please contact Prof. Marko Dumančić [marko.dumancic@wku.edu].
 
HIPS in the States National Conference
Last week WKU hosted the second annual High Impact Practices (HIPs) in the States National Conference.  The conference was attended by 277 individuals representing 71 institutions from across the U.S.  High impact practices ensure our students maximize the benefits of their college education through applied and experiential learning opportunities as well as research and creative activities.  Please join me in thanking Erin Holderman, Derek Olive and everyone who organized and executed this event as well as those who participated in these vital student support and retention efforts.
 
Comprehensive Academic Program Review (CAPE)
Our University-wide CAPE Committee is anticipated to issue its provisional recommendations to the department heads by March 1 for dissemination to program faculty.  Programs unhappy with their recommendations will be invited to meet with the committee.  Information about these meetings will soon be available on the CAPE website.  The committee’s final recommendations will be completed by March 18 and forwarded to the Office of the Provost for the next-level of review.  For more information about the CAPE process, please visit our website at https://www.wku.edu/academicaffairs/cape/cape.php.
 
Thank you for your continued efforts in service of our students.
 
Sincerely,
 
Terry Ballman