Regis College will embark on a new initiative to train its faculty on career guidance using innovative teaching practices to effectively serve the career development needs of the university’s students.
The new program, part of the Consortium for Instructional Excellence and Career Guidance, will train faculty on how to use evidence-based teaching practices proven to promote student success while embedding career guidance into existing courses. Regis was selected by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), in partnership with the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE). The program is made possible by a $1.2 million grant from Strada Education Network, a national nonprofit dedicated to strengthening America’s pathways between education and employment.
"Regis College is dedicated to ensuring the success of every student after graduation and to strengthen our successful career placement rate of 97%,” said Malcolm O. Asadoorian, vice president of Academic Affairs. “Participation in this consortium will ensure our faculty garner a high-quality skillset that focuses on instructional excellence.”
A cohort of Regis faculty members will enroll in ACUE’s new course, “Career Readiness and 21st-Century Skills.” The course is based on more than 30 years of research that document the evidence-based teaching practices that have been shown to improve student outcomes while also providing course-embedded career guidance. ACUE will debut two new modules that specifically address career readiness: Embedding Career Guidance, in which faculty members will be able to learn how to provide frequent, course-embedded information about specific careers, and Preparing Students with 21st-Century Career-Ready Skills, in which faculty members will be assisted in developing course content, assignments, and assessments to help students develop “career-ready” skills.
Dr. Asadoorian will lead the faculty cohort in the 25 learning modules beginning this fall and mentor them in using new skills in their classes. “Holistic integration of techniques from these modules within students’ curriculum, co-curriculum, and academic support services, such as coaching and academic advising, across all four years is an innovative approach,” said Asadoorian.
“This new course prepares faculty members to develop students’ critical thinking, leadership, interpersonal, professional skills, and more, which are all crucial to success in obtaining and keeping a job,” says Dr. Penny MacCormack, ACUE’s chief academic officer. “These new modules go a step further to guide faculty members in providing specific career examples and skills assessments throughout their coursework.”
About Council of Independent Colleges
The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of 770 nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils of independent colleges, and other higher education affiliates, that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society. CIC is the major national organization that focuses on services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility. It conducts the largest annual conferences of college and university presidents and of chief academic officers. Founded in 1956, CIC is headquartered at One Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C. For more information.
About Association of College and University Educators
The Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) believes that all college students deserve an extraordinary education and that faculty members play a critical role in their success. In partnership with institutions of higher education nationwide, ACUE supports and credentials faculty members in the use of evidence-based teaching practices that drive student engagement, retention, and learning. Faculty members who complete ACUE courses earn certificates in Effective College Instruction endorsed by the American Council on Education. ACUE’s Community of Professional Practice connects college educators from across the country through member forums, podcasts, and updates on the latest developments in the scholarship of teaching and learning. To learn more.
