Catherine Frerichs, FTLC director, said the five-year study (1997-2002) was done for the university's curriculum committee. The FTLC was founded in 1995 to support faculty members in their efforts to teach effectively through discussions and other resources, including grants.
'What we found through talking with colleagues was that our programs and resources are equal or exceeded those offered by other comparable Michigan and out-of-state universities,' she said.
Key study findings are listed below:
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Strong faculty support
In 2002, 53 percent of full-time faculty attended at least one FTLC event, compared to 35 percent in 1997-98. Last year's figure represents a 112 percent increase in participation.
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High faculty satisfaction with programming
All qualitative measures to assess programming indicate a high degree of satisfaction. The FTLC has offered 88 workshops, conferences and other events in the five-year period.
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Generous and effective grants programs
The funds available for teaching-related projects have tripled in the last five years, to 46 competitive grants awarded to 27 departments.
The FTLC will kick off a year of programming with the Fall Teaching Conference on Wednesday, Aug. 21 in Padnos Hall. Oscar Arias, former president of Costa Rica and a Nobel Peace Laureate, will be the keynote speaker. For more information, call the FTLC at (616) 895-3498.
