We are currently soliciting applications from faculty and professional staff to serve as instructors in 1 of 30 anticipated U-Engage first year student transition courses next fall term.  U-Engage instructors design their classes around a real-world problem or compelling question in an area of expertise, research or passion. The U-Engage shared learning outcomes and assignments are used across all course sections and will help guide your course design.

More information about U-Engage including the shared learning outcomes, responsibilities of instructors, support provided, upcoming information sessions, and a link to the application are available at: http://oregonstate.edu/newstudents/u-engage-course-applications. The deadline for submission is Monday, March 28th at 8PM.

In reviewing proposals, preference will be given to instructors who introduce real-world problems or questions that will be compelling to a first-year student audience and who have the academic and/or personal background to help students investigate the problem or question through an academic lens. Preference is also given to those with prior experience teaching and/or working closely with first-year students.

The U-Engage program provides $2000 in professional development funds for teaching one section of U-Engage (co-instructors split the stipend 50/50). It is the responsibility of instructors to check with their own departments about policies and/or practices related to the use of professional development funds prior to committing to teach a U-Engage section.

I hope you will give serious consideration to this opportunity to help a group of next year’s first year students acquire the critical skills and qualities to thrive in their studies and lives at OSU. Our data show that these courses not only help advance student success, but also help us to significantly decrease achievement gaps and increase retention.

Please gain the approval of your unit head prior to submitting an application. Do not hesitate to contact Emma Larkins, the First-Year Experience Coordinator in New Student Programs and Family Outreach (Emma.Larkins@oregonstate.edu) to discuss details or questions regarding U-Engage.

Best regards,