Read the Curry College NEASC 2012 Self-Study Report.

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in a state‐of‐the‐art Collaboration Room and a faculty multimedia and technology Innovation
Lab, with on‐site support from a full‐time Administrative and Technology Assistant (a new staff
position). The Center consults and coordinates with existing groups, such as the Excellence in
Teaching and Educational Technology Committees, and collaborates with the Academic Dean’s
Office, Student Affairs, Levin Library, and the Technology Center. ciii
Faculty Advising remains a frequently cited strength of the College. Faculty advisors, who
typically advise 16‐20 students, are supported by the Academic Advising Office, which includes
a full‐time manager, a three‐quarter time faculty director, and an administrative assistant. New
faculty are assigned a reduced number of advisees for their first semester and work closely with
advising staff to learn the curriculum and advising processes during orientation and through
follow‐up workshops. The Advising Office supplies all faculty advisors with updated
information, and receives feedback on academic issues that emerge through advising as well as
broader advising and student concerns from faculty, through regular focus groups, workshops,
and information disseminated by e‐mail and online. New tools and resources, such as an
automated degree audit and an early alert system, contribute to advisors’ abilities to intervene
when necessary and to help all students plan and track their academic progress.
Full‐time, year‐round credentialed professionals with a graduate degree in an appropriate field
provide advising services for students enrolled through continuing education, as well as for
graduate students pursuing a graduate degree. Advisors are readily available to explain degree
requirements and course scheduling options, assess prior transfer credits, and inform students
about financing options. civ
The College has been proactive regarding enhanced support for first year students. While
measures of student satisfaction (Noel Levitz, NSSE, and internal assessments) yield strong
ratings of advisors’ availability and supportiveness, a 2010 survey of first year students
indicated that only 43% of first year students had met with their advisors by the 6th week of
class. In Fall 2011, all new students were invited to attend meetings with their academic
advisors immediately following New Student Convocation. The results were noteworthy: a
student poll on the Portal found that 80% of respondents met with the advisors during that
period, and advisors subsequently reported increased follow‐up engagement with their
cv, cvi
students than in previous years.
Closely related to service through advising, the faculty engage in a myriad of other forms of
service that enhance direct interaction with students, thoughtful curriculum planning, and
governance that is proactive and ensures quality on behalf of students. The chart that appears
under Teaching and Advising demonstrates the high level of Curry College faculty involvement
in Service.
Scholarship, Research, and Creative Activity
Curry defines scholarship, research, and creative activity broadly, as appropriate to a teachingfocused
institution, with emphasis on integrating teaching and scholarship in ways that are
adaptable to the disciplinary and teaching context. Although specific expectations are
Curry College 2012 Self-Study
Standard Five