Academic Excellence Initiatives

The CAE is working intensely with many collaborators across campus to advance the University's strategic goals (Core Integration, Living & Learning, the Jesuit mission, and diversity) and enhance the quality of teaching & learning.

The Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) has been collaborating with the Faculty Development & Evaluation Committee (FDEC) on workshops to help faculty "get started with IDEA" and "unpack the IDEA reports: interpreting the data & closing the loop". In addition to these workshops, the CAE is available for consultations upon request.

For more information about IDEA implementation at Fairfield, visit the University's IDEA site.

The CAE offers consultations for faculty on "Getting Started with IDEA" and "Interpreting IDEA Diagnostic Reports"
Please contact the CAE to schedule an appointment.

For more information about Blackboard Learn, visit Academic Computing's Blackboard training and resources.

Questions? Contact Mary Kleps, Instructional Support Specialist, C&NS.

Since Fall 2010, all first-year students have been enrolled in Cornerstone courses (formerly FRCs). This Living & Learning initiative provides faculty with opportunities to:

• Bridge student learning inside and outside the classroom
• Deepen / extend / reinforce student learning
• Introduce new students to college skills and the values of the Core curriculum

The Cornerstone Guide: Resources for Faculty (PDF) provides faculty participating in the program with information about First-Year Living and Learning Communities at Fairfield, teaching and learning resources, and information about Cornerstone Course Enhancement funds available to support community-building activities.

The CAE offers consultations for faculty on Cornerstone course design or redesign, please contact the CAE to schedule an appointment.

Academic advising is a teaching and learning process that includes a curriculum, pedagogy, and learning outcomes. This "Advising as Teaching" model, as outlined by the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), is practiced at Fairfield University. Academic advising at Fairfield University is a key component of the teaching and learning relationship that is at the heart of educating the whole person.

Resources are available to assist faculty with their advising responsibilities including:

• An Advising @ Fairfield Resource (PDF) listing includes referral information and key campus contacts
• An Advising Syllabus which allows advisors to communicate to students the purpose and value of academic advising, expectations, and responsibilities for academic advising. View the sample advising syllabus (DOC) and customize it for use with your students.
• my.Fairfield offers online interactive tools that can be used by students and faculty. Consult the Advising with Tools (PDF) to learn more about the tools and ways to use them.
• NACADA hosts an online Clearinghouse of Academic Advising Resources on various topics including faculty advising.

For more information about Academic Advising at Fairfield, please visit the Office of Academic Engagement website.

The CAE offers consultations for faculty on Advising as Teaching, please contact the CAE to schedule an appointment.