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Focus of consortium is Instructional Excellence and Career Guidance Lourdes University Provost Dr. Geoffrey Grubb is pleased to announce that the institution is one of a select group of 26 institutions across the nation chosen for a national consortium by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), in partnership with the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE). Lourdes University will join the national Consortium for Instructional Excellence and Career Guidance, a new initiative that will prepare up to 500 faculty members nationwide to use evidence-based teaching practices shown to promote student success while embedding career guidance into their existing courses. 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. A cohort of Lourdes University 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 • 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. “Lourdes University is honored to be selected by the Consortium for Instructional Excellence and Career Guidance. Lourdes University has long been committed to integrating the liberal arts with career preparation. That powerful combination provides what employers consistently report they need from college graduates,” says Dr. Grubb. Michelle Rose, Lourdes University Instructor and Director of Field Education, will lead the faculty cohort in the 25 learning modules beginning this fall and mentor them in using new skills in their classes. “Lourdes faculty members will receive unprecedented support in teaching with evidence-based practices that promote student learning and career readiness. In addition, CIC/ACUE will work with Lourdes to measure the impact of this program on faculty and student outcomes,” says Ms. Rose. “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.” Consortium for Instructional Excellence and Career Guidance members: • Albertus Magnus College (CT) • Albion College (MI) • Alderson Broaddus University (WV) • Bloomfield College (NJ) • Briar Cliff University (IA) • Butler University (IN) • Concordia University Texas (TX) • Dillard University (LA) • Elmhurst College (IL) • Goshen College (IN) • Husson University (ME) • Lebanon Valley College (PA) • Lourdes University (OH) • Lynn University (FL) • Maryville College (TN) • Mills College (CA) • Mount Saint Mary’s University (CA) • Nebraska Methodist College (NE) • Regis College (MA) • Roanoke College (VA) • Sacred Heart University (CT) • Stillman College (AL) • Talladega College (AL) • Tiffin University (OH) • University of La Verne (CA) • Wesleyan College (GA) Lourdes University Rooted in the Catholic and Franciscan tradition, Lourdes University is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis, and offers baccalaureate degrees in a variety of academic majors as well as graduate degrees in business, education, nursing, organizational leadership, social work, and theology. Community outreach programs include the Appold Planetarium, the Center for Science Education & the Environment, and Lifelong Learning. A member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, Lourdes students can also compete in a variety of men’s and women’s sports. Named a “Best in the Midwest” college by the Princeton Review, Lourdes University is a nationally accredited, veteran and transfer-friendly institution offering a variety of student scholarships. Explore the possibilities online at www.lourdes.edu or by phone at 419-885-3211. About CIC: 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, DC. For more information, visit www.cic.edu. About ACUE: 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, visit www.acue.org.