Springfield College Announces Faculty Enrichment Fund to Establish Center for Excellence Fellowship
At left, Assistant Professor of Exercise Science and Athletic Training Maura Bergan, Assistant Professor of Spanish Joseph Brockway, and Assistant Professor of Religion Katherine Dugan take part in breakout sessions at the 2020 Spring Semester Faculty Institute.
Springfield College has unveiled the Faculty Enrichment Fund, designed to establish Center for Excellence Fellowship, with the goal of supporting faculty members in the development, execution, and dissemination of research projects that advance the understanding of teaching and learning. Leaders of the Springfield College Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship will manage the fellowships.
The announcement of the fellowships highlighted the annual Springfield College Faculty Institute on Tuesday, Jan. 21, kicking off the 2020 spring semester. The Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship will begin receiving proposals for the inaugural selection of faculty members to serve as a Center for Excellence Fellow during the 2020-21 academic year.
“The Center for Excellence fellows will have the unique opportunity to work closely with the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship to develop projects that will ultimately support scholarship designed to improve the learning environment on our campus,” said Springfield College Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship Director Chris Hakala. “Through careful development, execution, and interpretation of research, the Center for Excellence endeavors to build a ‘toolkit’ for faculty to draw upon to provide our students with the very best teaching possible.”
The mission of the Center for Excellence fellows will be to enhance the teaching and learning environment at Springfield College. This effort is part of a greater commitment to creating a stronger community of scholars and teachers who are dedicated to improving their craft and sharing that with others.
Center for Excellence fellows are provided funding for travel and materials, and one course release during their fellowship year. Faculty interested in participating should be program track, tenure track or tenured. Approval of the faculty member’s department chair and dean are required upon application.
Eligible faculty must submit an application by March 15. Proposals must include: 1) Name, position, and department; 2) Statement of the problem; 3) Proposed methodology; and 4) Possible benefits for student learning and success.
Proposals will be evaluated by a committee formed through the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship Advisory Board.
Springfield College is an independent, nonprofit, coeducational institution founded in 1885. Approximately 4,100 students, including 2,500 full-time undergraduate students, study at its main campus in Springfield, Mass., and at its regional campuses across the country. Springfield College inspires students through the guiding principles of its Humanics philosophy – educating in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others.
