Departmental-level curricular redesign is a vital issue in higher education, especially as departments work to move toward more student-centered teaching and learning environments. However, there is a lack of guidance on the steps to take or potential solutions to challenges faced by faculty and departments undergoing the curricular redesign…

Due to the "wicked problem" of the Academy's resistance to innovation, new teaching and learning programs struggle to become integrated into the fabric of the Academy, which slows the uptake of evidence-based practices. This wicked problem is rooted in the lack of slow, intentional mechanisms for cultural change in the Academy. In this…

As Spanish heritage language (SHL) programs grow nationwide, SHL program directors (PD) are tasked with negotiating the intricacies of either building an SHL program from scratch or carving space for a program that, unlike second language (L2) programs, are not institutionalised. Considering the evidence of deeply embedded dominant language…

Appropriateness-based models of language learning and teaching are rooted in a pervasive neocolonial agenda informed by Eurocentric epistemologies of "standard" or "academic" language (Flores & Rosa, 2015). In examining the normalized limitations of a language program through a raciolinguistic lens, we can better comprehend…

The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine's Division of General Internal Medicine is described, focusing on personnel and organization, educational programs, clinical and research activities, special programs, finances, and related issues and pressures. The program is proposed as a model for other institutions. (MSE)

In contrast with most academic departments, interdisciplinary programs lack automatic identity, clear space, or curricular territory, and motivation is closely linked to program success. This includes motivation of students in class and outside of class, of contributing faculty, of administrators, and of societal peer groups, such as professional…

An advising program in the James Madison University (Virginia) psychology department recruits and trains students to provide basic information about majors, careers, field opportunities, and graduate schools to their peers. The work of the 20 volunteers, who serve 900 students, is coordinated by a faculty member. Each peer advisor serves on a…

There is no one test or approach that is sufficient to serve all the objectives and purposes of assessment within the major. A multidimensional approach combining locally developed procedures such as theses, portfolios, orals, external examiners, with standardized tests is an effective strategy. (Author/MSE)

A national survey of 53 dental schools found most were not interested in developing a separate division or department of dental anesthesiology. Of those with a dentist anesthesiologist responsible for teaching pain control, all have or favor such a division. Less than one-third employ professionals limiting their practice to anesthesiology. (MSE)

Describes a study of 205 community college tourism programs to determine whether programs were most frequently free standing, placed within another department, or a collection of courses within a department. Reveals that two-thirds of the 150 responding programs were placed in another department, and over half of these were placed in the business…

The staff development program at the University of New South Wales (Australia) differs from traditional university programs in that it integrates professional development activities for both general and academic staff. The Professional Development Centre operates as an academic unit and performs both teaching and research functions. (MSE)

The similarities and differences in college honors programs' objectives, design, administration, finance, recruiting, and public recognition are discussed as a starting point for comparing programs and determining what kind of college program works best. (MSE)

A study based on national data found that the average duration of doctoral study was related to departmental emphases on scholarly careers and the resources to implement those emphases. Patterns varied by general discipline area and by specific discipline, suggesting a need for detailed analysis by discipline. (Author/MSE)

A study compared student use of and satisfaction with the central advising office and departmental advising in a college of engineering by surveying 57 central office walk-in advisees and, by mail, 103 other advisees. No significant differences were found in advisor availability and concern, but more students used departmental faculty advisors.…

In semi-structured interviews, 11 British university lecturers were prompted to discuss their motivations for starting, continuing, and achieving closure in collaborative staff development. Motivations included learning how to teach and involve students in learning, and drawing support from faculty development experts. Findings suggest that…