At the core of a Marian University student’s college experience is what happens in the classroom whether these classrooms are online, in Marian Hall, in the community, in clinical settings, on the athletic field, on a bus to Alabama, or across the English countryside. In the classroom, ideas are born, beliefs challenged, and lives changed. For Marian to develop students who can have a transformational influence in their community, we need to be intentional in the development of the learning experiences students encounter.
The core of our work is the Franciscan Values upon which the university is established. As indicated in our Strategic Plan, this part of our identity should be “evident in our graduates.” For this to occur, we need to provide our students the opportunity to live out the Values through course assignments and activities, where appropriate. We also need to model the Values and incorporate them into all aspects of our classrooms and our interactions with students. To develop students who can have a transformational impact on their community, we must move beyond foundational expectations to develop well-designed courses which yield intentionally impactful, inclusive, and integrated learning experiences as described further in the following document.
At Marian University, a Faculty Fellow is typically a faculty member who takes on a leadership or mentorship role in addition to their teaching responsibilities. Their duties can vary depending on the specific fellowship program, but they often include:
The specifics of a Faculty Fellow role depend on the university’s goals and the faculty member’s expertise. At Marian, which has a strong Catholic and Franciscan tradition, fellows might also engage in mission-driven projects or service-learning opportunities.
The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) Faculty Advisory Liaisons initiative is a dynamic and collaborative effort designed to bridge academic departments and the CTL. Faculty Advisory Liaisons are faculty members who play a pivotal role in facilitating communication.
These liaisons communicate academic unit professional needs to the CTL and keep academic unit colleagues apprised of CTL events, programs, and services. This is not a committee. Rather, this is an informal role in which communication is via email. It is an effort to ensure our services and offerings reflect the needs of the faculty and are effectively communicated to campus.
By fostering open dialogue, Faculty Advisory Liaisons contribute to a vibrant academic community where teaching excellence and innovation are prioritized. They act as catalysts for change and improvement, helping to tailor CTL initiatives to better serve the diverse needs of faculty across disciplines. Through their efforts, the liaisons help create a supportive environment that encourages professional development, collaboration, and the sharing of best practices.
The Faculty Advisory Liaisons also play a key role in gathering feedback and suggestions from their peers, which can lead to the development of new workshops, resources, and tools that align with current teaching challenges and opportunities. By maintaining a steady flow of information between the CTL and academic departments, these liaisons ensure that faculty members are well-informed about the latest pedagogical strategies and technological advancements.
Overall, the CTL Faculty Advisory Liaisons initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration and communication in higher education. It underscores the importance of faculty voices in shaping educational programs and highlights the value of a community-driven approach to teaching and learning.
If you are interested in being a liaison, please email Mona Kheiry at mkheiry@marian.edu
The Thank-An-Educator initiative is a heartfelt opportunity for students to express gratitude to the instructors who have made a meaningful impact on their lives. Through this program, students can write personalized thank-you notes to faculty members, recognizing their dedication, encouragement, and influence in and beyond the classroom. Whether it’s an inspiring lecture, unwavering support, or a simple act of kindness, these messages remind educators of the lasting difference they make. This initiative fosters a culture of appreciation and strengthens the connections between students and their instructors, celebrating the power of education and mentorship.
A brief introduction to the newsletter’s purpose: keeping faculty, staff, and students informed about resources, events, and opportunities that enhance teaching, learning, and career development. Watch email updates monthly for the newsletter. Portions of the newsletter include: