Gearing up for second undergraduate experience
Enriching the Undergraduate Experience in a Research University, Oct. 6 at St. Cajetan’s, is the next step in enabling faculty, staff and administrators to ensure student satisfaction and involvement on the evolving downtown Denver campus. In its second year, the symposium will feature renowned author John Gardner as keynote speaker.
Gardner, professor emeritus at the University of South Carolina and director of the National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition, will share his expertise to help build on the knowledge of faculty, staff and administrators in undergraduate education. This fall alone, the university has launched the new core curriculum, student housing and a first-year seminar program. A campus-wide honors program is planned for a Fall 2007 implementation.
“Dr. Gardner has been fostering the importance of first-year programs for over 20 years,” says John Lanning, assistant vice chancellor for undergraduate experiences. “His expertise will be very important in evaluating current academic and service programs that promote a quality undergraduate educational experience for the consolidated UCDHSC campus.”
The symposium is sponsored by the Center for Faculty Development, the Provost’s Office and the Office of Undergraduate Experience.
“I am very pleased to cosponsor the second annual undergraduate symposium,” says Ellen Stevens, director of the Center for Faculty Development. “Last year’s event with Richard Light was very successful. We are proud to bring John Gardner to our campus at this exciting time of change and growth. His insight and wisdom about undergraduate experiences will be invaluable as we continue to develop our undergraduate programs.”
If you have not already registered for the event, it’s not too late. The day will begin with a continental breakfast and check-in from 8:30-9 a.m. Lanning will give an overview of what was learned at the inaugural symposium at 9 a.m., followed by opening remarks and the introduction of Gardner by UCDHSC Chancellor M. Roy Wilson. The day will continue with panel and group discussions. (Full agenda).
“I have heard Dr. Gardner on multiple occasions, and I am confident that symposium participants will find his presentation engaging and thought provoking. He will help all of us examine the role of the undergraduate experience in a research university,” concludes Lanning.