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Transforming Challenges into Opportunities Margaret (Peg) McManus, Ph.D. Associate Dean School of Arts and Sciences La Salle University www.lasalle.edu Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences 45th rd Annual Meeting November 11, 2010

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OR How to make lemonade out of lemons!

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Topics Overview of La Salle University Challenges and opportunities Best Practices

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La Salle University Philadelphia, PA 6,221 students, 300 full-time faculty Urban, comprehensive, Masters II De La Salle Christian Brothers University http://www.lasalle2.org/

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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

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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

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Urban Location

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Subway series for city resources Phreshman Philly Phind Cultural Passport Magic Gardens Franklin Institute Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts African American Museum in Philadelphia

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Intellectualism

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Vision and mission Collaboration Community engagement Innovation Identity development

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Campus wide programming Explorer Caf By assembling a large group of critical thinkers from a variety of departments each week students, faculty, and staff aliketo 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

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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

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Community Partnerships Essential Question Philadelphia Center Science in Society Course integration Faculty and staff development

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Students Writing

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First Year Writing Program Course sequence across students 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

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Core Curriculum

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Discussion of a Core Curriculum Arts and Sciences ad hoc committee Mission statement Learning goals

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International Dimension

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Study Abroad sites Lasallian network La Salle Global Scholars (Fall 2011) Travel Study courses Interdisciplinary and interdivision courses

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Maximizing Resources

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Campus expansion by 33% West Campus Facilities for: Psychological Clinic LADDER Family Center Art Studio Main Campus Facilities for: Psychology department

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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

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For further information, contact: Peg McManus, Associate Dean La Salle University mcmanus@lasalle.edu 215-951-1042