New Faculty Learn What it takes to Teach at SMC

The Office of Academic Affairs held an all-day event at the Health Education Center (HEC) to prepare new and returning Samuel Merritt College (SMC) faculty for the Fall 2008 semester. The orientation was designed to help new instructors understand the culture and organization of the College as well as to promote the effectiveness of classroom instructors.

The orientation, held on Aug. 25, began with a welcome presentation by President Sharon Diaz. Scot Foster, Ph.D., Academic Vice President and Provost, addressed the requirements and expectations of classes and clinical assessments.

The morning session also included a panel discussion with Deans and Department Chairs of the Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Podiatric Medicine and Physician Assistant programs. They spoke about programs in their area, clinical experiences, and student achievement. A theme common to all presentations was the increase in the number of collaborative projects across academic programs.

Stephanie Bangert, Executive Director, Office of the President, and WASC Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO), provided an overview of current College activity in its preparation for the Capacity and Preparatory Review scheduled for November 2009. She offered her perspective about the Faculty Orientation Day.

"It was striking to hear the academic leadership speak about the unique vision each program has in educating students through integrated learning. It was clear that new faculty were also impressed by the direction programs are taking to create cross collaboration for enhancing the student experience," said Bangert.

The afternoon presentation involved a panel of administrative directors from the offices of Finance and Administration, Development and Alumni Affairs, Facilities and Human Resources. Some departments brought in entire personnel teams to meet the new faculty

"I felt that it was important for the community to meet the faces behind the voices and the email communications," said Kenneth Boxton, Assistant Vice President of Finance and Administration, Financial Controller. "I want the attendees to understand that we take our role seriously, to provide the "most excellent" customer service, and that finance staff are only an email or a phone call away."

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