Transforming Challenges into Opportunities Margaret (Peg)
McManus, Ph.D. Associate Dean School of Arts and Sciences La Salle
University www.lasalle.edu Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences
45th rd Annual Meeting November 11, 2010
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OR How to make lemonade out of lemons!
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Topics Overview of La Salle University Challenges and
opportunities Best Practices
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La Salle University Philadelphia, PA 6,221 students, 300
full-time faculty Urban, comprehensive, Masters II De La Salle
Christian Brothers University http://www.lasalle2.org/
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The Will to Excel: Strategic Initiatives Creating academic
distinctiveness and promoting student success Support a Lasallian
education rooted in: Context our urban location Practicality
linking theory and practice Social ends of learning commitment to
others Expand our international dimension Maximizing resources
Develop, promote, and support entrepreneurial activities, programs,
and strategic initiatives
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Challenges Urban location Theory and Practice Perception of low
level of intellectualism Level of students writing Social ends of
learning Aging core curriculum International dimension
Resources
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Urban Location
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Subway series for city resources Phreshman Philly Phind
Cultural Passport Magic Gardens Franklin Institute Pennsylvania
Academy of Fine Arts African American Museum in Philadelphia
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Intellectualism
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Vision and mission Collaboration Community engagement
Innovation Identity development
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Campus wide programming Explorer Caf By assembling a large
group of critical thinkers from a variety of departments each week
students, faculty, and staff aliketo discuss crucial issues of
justice and ethics in the arts, science, health, and business
communities well, this is the embodiment of our mission statement
at La Salle. William A. Price, Ph.D., Department of Chemistry and
Biochemistry
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Explorer Cafes Sustainable development across the globe Medical
ethics and biological ownership Business ethics and environmental
responsibility Immigration law and the DREAM Act Panels, lectures,
workshops Film screenings, exhibitions, contests
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Community Partnerships Essential Question Philadelphia Center
Science in Society Course integration Faculty and staff
development
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Students Writing
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First Year Writing Program Course sequence across students
academic career ENG 110 shared knowledge base ENG 210
Interdisciplinary, academic research 300 level course in the major
400 level capstone course Rhetorical focus (Theory of composition)
Connects curricula to social practices
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Core Curriculum
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Discussion of a Core Curriculum Arts and Sciences ad hoc
committee Mission statement Learning goals
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International Dimension
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Study Abroad sites Lasallian network La Salle Global Scholars
(Fall 2011) Travel Study courses Interdisciplinary and
interdivision courses
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Maximizing Resources
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Campus expansion by 33% West Campus Facilities for:
Psychological Clinic LADDER Family Center Art Studio Main Campus
Facilities for: Psychology department
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Best Practices for Success Align with mission and strategic
plan Connect interdisciplinary & inter-school units Maximize
the use of minimal funding Build on existing strengths Seize
opportunities Involve faculty and staff from all ranks Plan for
future leadership
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For further information, contact: Peg McManus, Associate Dean
La Salle University [email protected] 215-951-1042