Steps, Fall 07

Steps that the core CCT faculty need to continue to work through [with # items added since last meeting (on 11/28) and ## items as the main priority for the next meeting]
(last update 1/31/08; see Steps Spring 08)
(to get a printable version enter www.cct.umb.edu/Steps?f=print in your browser)

0. Check-in/News

1. Settling the CCT coordinator position [done] and Nina's transition to part-time [service & other conditions settled yet?].

2. Clarifying structure & resources (e.g., Spring 07 constitutional changes? [No], Issues listed on previous email [Eunny has agreed on many; some items still outstanding], Proposed organizational changes in C&I [implemented w/ CLR for coordinator -- now called PAL], discussing with Chair & Dean what it means for PT to step back into coordinating CCT [in limbo], Budget for using CCDE funds to CCT [approved 11/29])

3. Getting semester started for students (incl. connecting with lapsed students) and collecting complete data about students' course plans [done].
3a. Getting schedule for spring revised in response to #1 & who teaches electives in 08-09 [done]; # place to bring DM in for sp 08[done].

4. Completing conversations with other CCT faculty about
a. how to cover the basic operations of the program [who does what & when courses will be offered -- more or less done, # see files/futureyears.html => Program can continue to serve current average of MA matriculants plus a few more even if no post-Nina hire] and
b. about the scope and limitations of the faculty members' contributions to past, ongoing, and possible new initiatives (e.g., CCDE partnership around certificates[over and above online courses], NCIIA, G&T certificate, Kodaly [strategy to revive?], Exeter [faculty gave go ahead 9/25], 611/612/693 changes thru governance [by NLG, PT, PT, resp.], open house/outreach plans).

see checklist and questions for discussion
(PT is not comfortable with "let's try this or that" discussions until we make sure we can do what we're already committed to and we know who will end up doing the work in trying this or that...)

c. review of past AQUAD Plans to establish general priorities
11/6 initial brainstorming about what each of us wants to give priority to in order to a) serve the students well and b) have our efforts match our aspirations as teachers, scholars, and members of the UMB and wider communities.

• NLG: Host high profile public events (like the Anna Craft, Bill Oakes, Rita Nethersole events) and the Exeter partnership. / Invite Dean to my classes.
• CS: Collect evidence to show that we are serving the students. / Connect with other UMB programs, e.g., K-12 sci-math preparation; undergrad. core / Review curriculum & learn abut teaching from each other
• DM: High profile activities, e.g., Exeter, syntheses presented in a symposium, big event with CCT logo. / Keep students moving through to graduation.
• AM: More opportunities for Phil. faculty teaching?
• PT: Develop reflective practice aspect through portfolios assembled throughout student's career (modeled on Jan Coe's) / Turn tools for teaching research & engagement into book / Promote "Science in a Changing World" emphasis (picking up on support through STV/faculty seminar, higher profile through grants, publications, presentations; connections in Boston area) / Improve retention of students of color, efforts led by LB? / arrange someone to debrief with when frustrated by admin

##next meeting 11 Dec: admissions + focus on how we move forward on specific activities/directions, including Curriculum Review, Science in a Changing World, Retreat, Spring Public Event, CCT Network? + those already listed in the AdminChecklist file (now viewable at files/AdminChecklist.html )

5. Prepping Chair and Dean about CCT's past AQUAD review and plans (updated version), and current situation. (##Repeat the lunchtime show and tell event from 2000? [Who presents what? Plan for February?])

This allows us to be well prepared when we
6. a. Make requests for support needed for basic operations [first go thru done 10/15 w/ positive results, # budget approved 11/19], and
b. discuss new initiatives with Chair.