THE VITAL FACULTY ASSOCIATE PROGRAM
Participation in the Villanova Institute for Teaching and Learning (VITAL) Faculty Associate Program provides the opportunity and the time for tenured faculty members to pursue a special interest related to teaching and/or learning. Faculty Associates spend a semester working with VITAL on a project of their choice that must have the potential to contribute broadly to the educational experiences of our Villanova students. (This program differs in scope from the VITAL Minigrant Program, which is typically focused on improving students’ learning in individual courses.) Faculty Associates meet regularly with the director of VITAL for project design and implementation consultation. Because the ultimate goal of the program is to enhance the educational process at Villanova, VITAL Faculty Associates receive a reduction of one course in their teaching loads during the semester of their term. Project-related expenses up to $1,000 will also be funded.
Previous projects have included the redesign of departmental majors and/or minors; the design of VITAL workshops on evaluating students’ learning; the creation of a new program of study; and the development of a process for assessing the learning outcomes of departmental majors.
One Faculty Associate position is available during the Fall Semester each year and another during the Spring Semester. Letters inviting tenured faculty members to apply for the VITAL Faculty Associate Program are sent out in late October or early November each year.
