How

Department Chairs and Deans are invited to nominate promising scholars with the potential to develop into sterling researchers and teachers. This Academy will focus specifically on the teaching aspect of their careers, allowing them to get on the academic “fast track” by offering them tools they can immediately apply to current courses and by allowing them to create a better balance among their teaching, service, and research activities.

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Why

The Academy is predicated on the assumption that effective teaching and learning are essential for responsive and responsible colleges and universities. Learning to teach more effectively also means teaching more efficiently. Participants will review and apply research on learning; they will find out how to use a variety of teaching methods, assessment/evaluation approaches, technology, and other tools to create engaged learning environments. Without critical reflection and analysis, teachers tend to teach as they were taught. This Regents' Academy focuses on breaking this cycle by helping faculty gain the knowledge and skills to create courses that challenge and support students in their learning.

Homework

Schedule

Tips

• A laptop computer will be a key tool for this experience because
  you will have designated times during the presentations for pauses to
  work on your own syllabus and course design, including activities. If you do not now have a laptop you can bring, please make arrangements to borrow one. Built-in time to work on a syllabus/course of your choice will be part of the overall "take-away."
  

Logistics

As you plan your participation, please take note of the following important items:

• If you are flying into Reno , plan on arriving no later than 10:00 a.m. Buses to Granlibakken will leave from the airport around 10:30 a.m. Since the number of direct flights to Reno is limited, please make your reservations immediately according to your institution's guidelines.
• Bus Pick-up and Departure at 10:30am, Thursday June 1, 2006 : Queency Fernandez, TMCC,( QFernandez@tmcc.edu ) has graciously agreed to be at the airport Thursday morning to coordinate the bus transportation to Granlibakken.  She has a master list of all those planning to ride the bus from UNLV and CCSN. 
• Queency, with a Regents' Academy sign, will be positioned at the foot of the escalator coming down from the arrival area.  That would be the optimal meeting place for everyone so that she can check off your names.  If you need to collect luggage, please let her know or have a friend notify her of your presence in the terminal.
• The buses will be waiting outside the airport on the north exit just outside baggage claim. Please try to locate Queency before looking for the buses: it will be VERY hard for her to keep track of everyone while boarding is in progress.  Wireless Access at Granlibakken :  Upon closer questioning, the Granlibakken staff admitted that the wireless connectivity is sometimes problematical.  In theory, the entire resort is wireless, but because we know that academics are wedded to internet access/email, etc., we want to forewarn you that you should plan to load to your laptop, a thumb drive or a CD any critically important documents you expect to need.
• If you plan to drive to Granlibakken (a map is on the web site), arrive between 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon on Thursday, June 1 st . Lunch will be served at noon, and the program will start immediately afterwards.
• The Academy is a residential program , namely, all participants are expected to stay on the premises for the duration of the entire program, including the evening events.
• If you have thought about planning a family vacation prior to or following the Academy, please be advised that no family accommodations will be available at the site. Additionally, as mentioned above, the tight 48-hour schedule will not make time for family activities. Families can stay at area motels, but should not expect to see you during the Academy . . ..
• Don't forget to pack your laptop loaded with the syllabus you plan to work on and other course-related materials. The hotel does have wireless access.
• Granlibakken is a rustic facility, located in a forested setting. Dress will be “resort/casual” with a light jacket or sweater possibly needed at night. Hiking trails surround the site. Accommodations are comfortable but not luxurious. Room keys will be provided during sign-in on June 1 st .

Map

Contact

Dr. Barbara J. Millis

Director, Excellence in Teaching Program

E. J. Cain Hall, Room 254 Mail Stop 289

University of Nevada , Reno

Reno NV 89557-0245

Phone: 775-784-6607

Fax: 775-327-2224

millis@unr.edu

http://teaching@unr.edu/etp/