Memorandum

To: UF Faculty Members

From: Debra Walker King, Associate Provost for Faculty Development

Re: Faculty Learning Community Proposals

The Provost's office for Faculty Development is currently accepting proposals (individual and group) for a new program aimed at developing Faculty Learning Communities (FLC) within the University of Florida. The program will begin with two to four funded projects selected this spring. Proposals, indicating the group work to begin no later than August of 2008, will be accepted through Friday, February 22, 2008. Funded proposals will be notified of award by the end of March.

What are Faculty Learning Communities?

FLCs offer a profound method for increasing cross campus professional networks and intellectual growth. Universities with successful cohort- and topic-based learning communities report "increased collaboration across disciplines, increased retention, a more coherent curriculum, more active learning, more civic contributions to the common good" and, over time, a campus community welcoming of integrated and collaborative interdisciplinary faculty research and development.

Criteria

Proposed learning communities should emphasize cross-disciplinary / cross campus faculty groups of multiple members (6 to 10 members, for instance). Funded communities will engage in an active, collaborative, semester or yearlong program with a topical or cohort curriculum focused interdisciplinary research, climate enhancement or teaching and learning project. These communities should engage in frequent group seminars and activities with the goal of producing a publishable project, web workspace, course offering or other predetermined outcome which is interdisciplinary (or cross-disciplinary) and community building.

How to submit a proposal

Proposals for learning communities submitted by faculty and department / college administrators are encouraged.  Submit your proposal to Alison Hightower (Faculty Development Office, 239 Tigert Hall, PO Box 113050 ).  Proposals should not exceed ten pages and should include:

* community title and type (cohort or topic oriented)

* name of the facilitator and a one page description of qualifications that justify leadership of the community (do not attach vita)

* community size and statement of size  justification

* description of foci, goals and objectives

  * describe expected outcomes and accountability

  * describe the type of expense support needed and why

  * describe how release time might benefit the project

FLC Example Proposal Summary:

• Title: Developing Effective Cognitive Diversity In and Outside the Classroom
• Lead Facilitator: A faculty member experienced in diversity issues and conflict resolution
• Community Size: 6-8 faculty members
• Description: A topic focused work group investigating, designing, and implementing ways to use difference and similarity to enhance professional development, teaching and student learning
• Objective: To foster multi-cultural skill enhancement while gaining self awareness and an understanding of how our students, our curriculum, pedagogies, and behaviors work together to create an inclusive classroom culture
• Outcomes and Accountability: Develop a written plan and a website prototype designed to assist faculty wishing to learn from the community's research and gain insights for enhancing cognitive diversity at UF
• Requested Expense Support: Up to $2000 for professional expenses related to the community project
• Faculty Development Participant Support: $3000 each for 3 community members needing release time teaching replacements (one course only) during one semester of the year long project.

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