CRES 821 Foundations of Higher Education

This course will provide participants with an overview of the hierarchy of academic structure in institutions of higher learning, explain the role of faculty governance, the tenure process, and promotion and advancement in a higher education environment. In addition, the role of assessment and accreditation in institutions of higher education will be covered. Upon completion, participants have the potential to become leaders in professional and leadership activities around assessment and education in higher education. Participants will also understand the fundamental qualities of an effective leader in higher education. Integration of the literature on best practices in higher education will be covered.

Credits

3

Student Learning Outcomes

1. 1. Identify the institutional structure of higher education, including the role of a university president, provost, vice president, dean, associate dean, chair, and other essential participants in university structure.
2. 2. Define the difference between tenure and clinical tracks, and how the requirements are typically defined by different institutions of higher learning.
3. 3. Define the difference between tenure, re-contracting and promotion and advancement in higher education.
4. 4. Interpret issues that are brought before faculty senate and faculty governance in university functioning in different types of institutions of higher education.
5. 5. Make decisions on sample grievance for both faculty and students based on sample cases.
6. 6. Create program, course and student outcomes assessment tools utilized and understand the institutional support available for these efforts.
7. 7. Identify the different agencies that accredit institutions of higher education.
8. 8. Have a breadth of knowledge of the evidence-based practice of teaching in higher education.
9. 9. Define the qualities of effective leaders in higher education based on evidence in the literature.