 
Proposals Sought for New Faculty |
April 10 is the deadline for academic departments to submit proposals for additional faculty positions made possible by Project SLU 2000.
In the first round of hires last fall, eight new faculty positions were awarded to five academic departments: earth and atmospheric sciences, mathematics and mathematical computer science, biology (two positions to begin in fall 2001), modern and classical languages (two positions) and philosophy (two positions).
Up to 18 positions may be funded in this second round.
"I certainly appreciated the departments who submitted proposals in the first round under a very tight time frame," said Provost Sandra Johnson.
The hiring of new faculty is one of the seven major academic goals of Project SLU 2000.
"This initiative has sparked some very creative thinking about how we best serve our undergraduate students, especially those in the freshman and sophomore years," Johnson said. "The proposals that were funded in the first round demonstrate the many different approaches that may be taken to achieve our goals."
The main criteria for awarding the new positions require departments to create small classes with enhanced pedagogy and expanded opportunities for student-faculty interaction and mentoring. The department commitment includes offering at least three to four "inquiry courses" -- small classes providing an "in-depth and focused exploration" of the subject and dealing with topics that "stimulate and challenge intellectual horizons and allow for learning for active inquiry and problem solving in a collaborative environment."
The criteria also requires that departments put into place a program of concrete opportunities for student-faculty interaction. These opportunities could be co-curricular or extra-curricular.
Finally, the department has to demonstrate a department-wide commitment to enhancing the educational experience of freshmen and sophomores. The involvement of senior faculty in teaching the courses is critical.
A review committee of eight faculty, two students and an external reviewer evaluated the proposals from the first round, and a similar committee will be established for this round as well.
"This initiative provides the support needed to advance the pedagogy in our freshman and sophomore classes, to provide a greater number of small classes taught by our full-time faculty, and to increase the opportunity for the faculty mentoring that is such a significant part of the tradition of Jesuit education," said University President Lawrence Biondi, SJ.
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