Faculty Learning Communities (FLCs) are small groups of faculty and staff who meet regularly to work toward self-defined goals among supportive peers. They can build community, foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, and offer an innovative avenue of professional development —all needs highlighted by feedback on the 2022 Community Survey.
Last year, a group of 14 faculty members participated in an FLC pilot on Equity-mindedness. Here are a few of the ways their work continues to make a difference for the Regis community:
Celeste Baldwin and Donna Barry have presented to audiences across campus on bias free language use with guidance from Chapter 5 of the APA Publication Manual on the terminology we use to refer to individuals in conversation and scholarly writing. Leslie Bishop and Erin McQuaid are researching practices faculty can use in lab and lecture to promote science self-efficacy through active student involvement. Colleen Malachowski has revised course syllabus materials into a graphical format to improve accessibility. Jackie MacDonald and Sheila Combs designed and delivered a Lunch and Learn presentation to faculty and staff on how to have difficult conversations about race. Henry Kronner and Donette Considine have revised course designs to promote student interest through offering more choice and opportunities for reflection. Becky DesRoches is developing and educating others on Open Educational Resources (OER) as a low- or no-cost option and companion to course textbooks. Audrey Grace and Erin McQuaid will continue to facilitate the Equity-mindedness (Cohort 1) FLC through this academic year so this group can continue their important work.
As evidenced by the examples above, last year’s FLC resulted in equity initiatives with impacts across campus. To build on these successes, we are offering two topic-based FLCs for the 2022-2023 academic year:
(1) Equity-mindedness (Cohort 2)
(2) Well-being and Self-care
Update: The application for AY 2022-23 is closed but please consider submitting an application when the new FLCs are formed in Fall 2022.