Arboretum Collaborative

Description

The ARBORETUM COLLABORATIVE is a Presidential initiative designed to bring together competitively selected JMU faculty during the spring 2012 semester to learn and share with one another. A series of workshop sessions on course re/design and sustainability content will increase participants' awareness and knowledge of environmental stewardship with the goal of stimulating curriculum innovation. Fellows will explore various JMU sustainability initiatives with particular focus on resources and features of the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum. The Center for Faculty Innovation and the JMU Institute for Stewardship of the Natural World will co-organize this program.

Expectations:

• Attend bi-weekly sessions during the spring semester on Fridays from 3:00pm - 4:30 p.m. beginning on January 20, 2012.
• Attend two half-day Arboretum Collaborative Lockdown sessions on May 10 and 11, 2012 as part of the JMU May Symposium.
• Submit summer course portfolio proposal on June 8, 2012.
• Prepare a course portfolio during the 2012 summer by August 6. Course portfolios include descriptions and development of (1) teaching philosophy, (2) analysis of type of course redesign, (3) stewardship learning objectives, (4) teaching and learning activities, and (5) feedback and assessment strategies.

Application Process: Applications are welcome from all JMU faculty, but preference will be given to those teaching in areas that do not traditionally focus on environmental stewardship. The goal of the program is to stimulate new curriculum innovation and is intended for faculty who are not already incorporating significant sustainability or environmental stewardship components into their courses. Faculty teaching general education, discipline-specific, or multi-disciplinary courses are eligible to apply for the Arboretum Collaborative.

Stipend: Ten participants will be selected to receive a $750 stipend for full participation in the bi-weekly spring meetings and summer institute. A $3000 stipend will be rewarded during September 2012 to fellows upon successful review of a course portfolio that outlines extensive modifications an existing course to be taught during the 2012-2013 academic year.