Characteristics of a Successful Department

Characteristics of a Successful Department

1. Purpose Statement and Strategies

The department has both a clear and defined purpose statement aligned with the mission of the college and cohesive, demonstrable strategies to achieve that mission.

2. Teaching Excellence

The department has achieved recognized excellence in teaching and learning as evidenced by:

• The development and implementation of the curriculum
• Active discussion of the effectiveness of current pedagogy and incorporation of new pedagogies appropriate to the discipline
• An appropriate balance between general education and the major
• Responsive assessment practices
• The appropriate incorporation of technology into teaching and learning
• The integration of learning with faith and faith with learning
• Inclusive practices
• Involvement with interdisciplinary programs/initiative
• A demonstrated ability to attract, retain and graduate excellent students
• Independent studies, internships, service learning and other off-campus experiences
• Awards (for innovative curricula, for effective capstone courses, for internship programs, etc.)

3. Service to the College and Profession

The department has demonstrated service to the discipline, college and community as evidenced by:

• Evident leadership within the division and beyond
• Student leadership of departmental and disciplinary endeavors
• A spirit and vitality that create community, and support and enhance the work of faculty, students and the broader college community
• A demonstrated positive connection to local, regional and global communities
• Developing and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders of the college

4. Scholarship & Creative Activity

The department has achieved recognized excellence in scholarship and creative activity as evidenced by:

• Grants (applied for or awarded)
• Traditional and public scholarship, including research and creative activity
• Professional activity (e.g., organization of conferences, editing, leadership of regional and national professional organizations)
• Engagement of alumni and current students in scholarly pursuits