Learning Communities at Utah Valley University
Proposal for New Learning Community
2013-2014

Expectations for Faculty Participating in Learning Communities

1. Consult with the Faculty Coordinator for Learning Communities (Doug Gardner) early on about the process of developing your learning community.
2. Participate in Learning Community Training events (i.e., Learning Community summer institute (May of each year) and other training events during your time teaching in a Learning Community).
3. Teach in a Learning Community at least 4 consecutive semesters (2 years).
4. Syllabi revisions to include individual course descriptions and objectives, combined course outcomes, and align with the University Essential Learning Outcomes (Note: The curriculum for the combined courses may not be altered. Course objectives and goals, as defined in COMET, must remain intact).
5. Development of assignments and class activities to reinforce integrative learning
6. Creation of a signature assessment.
7. Develop a plan for civic engagement within the Learning Community.
8. Participate in the assessment of Learning Communities.

Faculty Benefits of Teaching in a Learning Community:

1. Interaction with faculty from across campus.
2. Higher level of involvement and performance from students participating in learning community classrooms.
3. Participation in an activity recognized by the institution as an engaged teaching activity.

Compensation

Modest Stipend ($500)

Part I: Complete by November 15th, 2012
      Submit this information online

Required Information to initiate a Learning Community (Please complete the following information by November 15th, 2012):

1. Sponsoring Faculty Member information (Main Contact)
2. List all additional planning team members & contact information
3. Identify the two academic courses in this proposed learning community or indicate interest in existing course combinations.
4. Identify a Learning Community Theme and Title that will conceptually pull together the learning community courses.
5. Description of the community engagement activities students will participate in during the learning community.
6. Acknowledgement of approval by Department Chairs

Part II: Complete by February 1, 2013

Update and finalize with the Learning Communities Faculty Coordinator the items submitted for Part I

Part III: Complete by June 1, 2013

During May 2013 it is anticipated that you will participate in week long training by the Faculty Center. During and shortly after your participation in this training event you will complete each of the following items.

1.     Any changes made to the requested material in Part I
2.     Completed syllabi for use in each of the two courses beginning Fall 2013. Included within the syllabi should be the following:
3.     Individual course objectives
4.     Learning community objectives
5.     Detailed plan for signature assessment
6.     Detailed plan for community engagement
7.     Explanation of how the two courses are integrated.
8.     List all intended campus partners (this includes academic, assessment, advising, Leadership, Service-Learning, and other potential partners). Please describe how you will be interacting with these partners.
9.     Identify ways the learning community can be marketed to recruit student participants. The learning community steering committee will conduct large scale learning community marketing events. However, it is the responsibility of the LC to actively recruit student participants, as communities with low enrollments cannot be supported.