In times of budget constraints and cutbacks, it is especially important to promote staff and faculty development activities since they may not be viewed as college priorities and employee morale and motivation can suffer during such times. Department chairs must engage in a "treasure hunt" to search for hidden resources to meet professional development needs. Before the hunt can begin, professional development goals for the department need to be identified, based on the department's overall objectives collaboratively determined by faculty and staff. Faculty and staff should then identify individualized professional goals and objectives which reflect the departmental goals. Then, an action plan can be developed, identifying how and where hidden treasures might be unearthed; responsibilities can be assumed by groups or individuals; a timeline should be determined; and a progress report expected. To start the actual search for resources, three directions should be explored. First, chairs should seek out hidden talents of departmental staff and ask students for their ideas. Second, other departments, such as teaching resource centers, professional development coordinators and professional development committees, should be searched. Finally, a look into the local community can provide inexpensive but valuable resources. Throughout the process, the chair should provide department members with encouragement, support, and a sense of purpose. (KP)
Authors
- Peer Reviewed
- F
- Publication Type
- ['Guides - Non-Classroom', 'Speeches/Meeting Papers']
- Published in
- United States of America
Table of Contents
- Academic Development Centre 2
- Mount Royal College 2
- The first strategy is based on the scavenger hunt approach. The word 3
- The value of what you are seeking in a treasure hunt differs from those items 4
- Identification of professional development goals for the department based 4
- What are or will be the needs of the students in the programs we offer Some 5
- It is important that the goals be realistic and is usually helpful if 5
- Team work continues to be an vital factor during this stage of the hunt. 6
- There are three primary directions that a department should explore. The first 6
- Professional Development Committee if these are a part of your college. Most 7
- Aervices provided serve the same purpose promoting faculty and staff 7
- The third route that should be explored is outside the institution looking at the 7
- Talk to and utilize your program advisory committees members. If you dont 8
- Two approaches that can be taken in the hunt for hidden resources have been 8
- The search for hidden resources is limited only by the lack of focus and 8
- R. G. Greenway 8
