UNCG course instructors and departmental faculty play a critical role in shaping the Spartan student experience. The partnership between the Division of Student Success, faculty, and students helps improve retention and enhance overall student success in higher education.

Here are some key ways we partner together for our students:

Limited-Time Workshops

Applications Due 27 February

Read on and apply today!

Plan to join us in May 2026 for a funded, two-day, interactive course development and enhancement opportunity for full-time faculty at any experience level – from the newly curious to the lifelong practitioner – who want to integrate community connections and engagement into an undergraduate or graduate-level course. Grow your understanding of community-engaged (CE) course learning outcomes, community partnerships, critical elements of CE, assessment, and other components of sound community-engaged instruction based on participants’ interests and questions. Participants will leave the workshop with a framework they develop for a new or re-imagined community-engaged course. Opportunity for individual work time and consultation with CE scholars and faculty across disciplines will support a productive, cooperative working environment.

During our time together we will attend to, model, and provide instruction on key principles and practices, including individual and collective care, relationship building and healing, collaborative practices, drawing on art-based activities, and listening. Our hope is to (re)ignite commitment to forms of teaching and learning that value community-university mutual benefit, reciprocity, joyful engagement, shared responsibility, and deep connections to people and place.

Instructors will receive a $1,500 stipend upon successful completion of the 2-day workshop, and submission of a new or revised course that meets the standards for CE/SVL designation.

OUTCOMES:

  • Establish new and renewed connections with fellow community-engaged instructors
  • Become aware of resources and networks to support all levels of community engagement for any course
  • Identify ways to integrate faculty roles of teaching, research/creative activity, and public/professional/community service, as applicable
  • Strengthen competencies and confidence in developing and teaching community-engaged courses, from design to implementation and evaluation
  • Develop a cadre of UNCG faculty who can support community-engaged teaching through their examples and mutual aid with others

DELIVERABLES:

  • Fully participate in in-person, two-day May workshop
  • Submit, and have approved, a new or updated syllabus that clearly reflects changes related to community engagement, per the course designation rubric administered by members of the CE Council
  • Participate in pre- and post-assessment of the workshop (questionnaire)

ELIGIBILITY:

  1. Full-time faculty at UNCG (academic professional track or tenure-track)
  2. Department chair approval to offer the (re)designed course (undergraduate or graduate) no later than Fall 2027

Do you have questions? Email cecouncil@uncg.edu for answers.

If this sounds like a good fit for you and your work, we’re looking forward to your application!

This opportunity is made possible by the Community Engagement Council, and through partnership among the Division of Student Success, the Institute for Community and Economic Engagement, and the Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement.

Early Intervention

Faculty are often the first to notice when a student is struggling academically or personally. By intervening early, they can connect students with the necessary resources such as tutoring, counseling, or academic advising, which can prevent dropout.

Engagement and Support

Faculty members who actively engage with their students and provide support can significantly impact retention rates. This includes being present and involved in students’ curricular and co-curricular experiences.

Mentorship

When faculty members take on mentorship roles, they can guide students not only academically but also in navigating the challenges of college life. Mentorship fosters a sense of belonging and encourages students to persist in their studies.

Curricular Innovation

Faculty innovation is crucial for advancing efforts around student success and retention. By creating a supportive environment that values and promotes innovation, faculty members can play a pivotal role in transforming education and preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow.

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