Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

Margaret (Peg) McManus, Ph.D.Associate Dean

School of Arts and SciencesLa Salle Universitywww.lasalle.edu

Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences45thrd Annual MeetingNovember 11, 2010

ORHow to make lemonade

out of lemons!

Topics Overview of La Salle University Challenges and opportunities Best Practices

La Salle University Philadelphia, PA

6,221 students, 300 full-time faculty Urban, comprehensive, Master’s II De La Salle Christian Brothers University

http://www.lasalle2.org/

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

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

Urban Location

Low level of connection to the City of Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Center;

Freshman YearOdyssey activities

Cultural passport to Philadelphia attractions

Urban Location Subway series for city resources Phreshman Philly Phind Cultural Passport

Magic Gardens Franklin Institute Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts African American Museum in

Philadelphia

Intellectualism

Low attendance at intellectual events

Energy and excitement generated

Essential Question on economic justice

New Science and Technology Building

Explorer Café every Wednesday afternoon;

Catholic Relief Services

Vision and mission Collaboration Community engagement Innovation Identity development

Campus wide programming Explorer Café

“By assembling a large group of critical thinkers from a variety of departments each week– students, faculty, and staff alike—to 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

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

Community Partnerships Essential Question Philadelphia Center Science in Society

Course integration Faculty and staff development

Students’ Writing

Poor achievement in writing

Pilot of two new writing courses

Alignment with best practices in Rhetoric and Composition

First Year Writing Program Course sequence across student’s

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

Core Curriculum

Aging core curriculum

Focus groups with faculty & advisory council

Redefined mission and goals of a core curriculum

Discussion of a Core Curriculum Arts and Sciences ad hoc

committee Mission statement Learning goals

International Dimension

Low number of international experiences and students

Study abroad sites;

Travel Study courses;

Student Exchange

Increased number of students with international experiences

International Dimension Study Abroad sites

Lasallian network La Salle Global Scholars (Fall 2011)

Travel Study courses Interdisciplinary and interdivision

courses

Maximizing Resources

Budget constraints

West Campus property acquisition

Expanded facilities and programs

Maximizing Resources Campus expansion by 33% West Campus Facilities for:

Psychological Clinic LADDER Family Center Art Studio

Main Campus Facilities for: Psychology department

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

For further information, contact:

Peg McManus, Associate DeanLa Salle University

mcmanus@lasalle.edu215-951-1042