"Teaching students to think creatively is very important for a liberal arts education. I think the Art Department contributes both in the visual arts and performing arts in allowing students to demonstrate all kinds of creativity across the curriculum and hopefully, for a lifetime."

Rachel Morris
Associate Professor of Art

Rachel Morris Video
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Core Component: Notre Dame College values and supports effective teaching.

Qualified faculty determine curricular content and strategies for instruction.

• Faculty credential files are located in the Academic Affairs Office. A file contains official transcripts, resume, and professional development experiences. Faculty possess a wide range of degrees including master’s degrees (MBA, MA, M.Ed.) and terminal degrees (Ph.D, Ed.D., MFA and JD).

• Copies of all course syllabi are on file in the Academic Affairs Office. In addition, each division chair has copies of syllabi for courses taught within the division.

• The Education Policy and Planning Committee (EPPC) is comprised of the chairs of each division and one member-at-large. The Vice President of Academic Affairs and the Dean of the Weekend College are ex-officio members and do not possess voting rights. This committee is charged with overseeing curriculum, program development, changes to the College Catalog and other academic issues. After consideration by EPPC, their recommendations are brought to the Faculty Senate for action.

• The Faculty Affairs and Development Committee (FADC) consists of faculty members who are elected by the Faculty Senate each Spring. The FADC oversees the expenditure of funds for in-service, conventions and conferences, and professional memberships. This committee may sponsor in-service programs for the faculty.

Notre Dame College evaluates teaching and recognizes effective teaching.

  • Faculty are designing an evaluation process which has been absent for a number of years. At the present time, the VPAA meets with individual faculty members on an annual basis to review performance. Among the current initiatives is a pilot program for faculty to observe and mentor each other with regard to teaching. The information is shared for formative purposes only, and is not shared for formal evaluation.

  • Each Spring, one full-time and one part-time faculty member are recognized for effective teaching. The nominating process is open to all students, faculty, administrators, and staff.

The Distinguished Faculty Award recognizes and encourages excellence in scholarship, teaching, and community service by a full-time faculty member. The award is based on demonstrated exceptional performance in teaching (classroom instruction, workshop facilitation, curriculum development, in-service participation), community service (committee membership, academic advising, and College, civic, or church service), and scholarship (research, lecture or paper presentation, and academic publications).

The Outstanding Teaching Award recognizes and rewards excellent teaching by a part-time faculty member.

  • Recognition of effective teaching and other contributions to the College is realized through advancement in rank. Specific criteria for advancement in rank are to be found in the Faculty Handbook.

  • Announcements of faculty awards, publications, and lectures appear regularly in the e-Falcon, the faculty and staff electronic newsletter.

  • The College magazine, Notre Dame Today, features a faculty member in each issue.

 

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