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Proposed action objective:

Promote innovative technology-based curricular and extracurricular educational initiatives and coordinate faculty development activities under one organizational structure directed by a Vice/Assistant Provost for Educational Innovation.

How does this objective contribute to one or more of USD’s overall strategic goals?

This objective contributes directly to Goal #2 by increasing opportunities for integrated learning experiences, to Goal #4 by promoting excellence in our liberal arts and sciences curricula, and to Goal #5 by enhancing USD’s reputation regionally and nationally.

Who is responsible for implementing and monitoring this objective?

An interim coordinator in the Provost’s Office will initially assume responsibility until the Vice/Assistant Provost for Educational Innovation is hired. The new vice/assistant provost is ultimately responsible for creating a coordinated network of new and existing programs that offer and support development opportunities.

What steps are necessary to achieve this objective?

1. Appoint interim coordinator in Provost’s Office in preparation for hire of vice/assistant provost.
2. Identify existing programs that fall under the scope of educational innovation and develop position descriptions for two interdisciplinary instructional design specialists to serve as a bridge between faculty and ITS.
3. Interim coordinator and Provost will develop a position description for a full-time vice/assistant provost, search, and hire.
4. Over a period of time, hire six more interdisciplinary instructional design specialists to focus on discipline-specific curricular innovations.
5. Actively pursue external funding to support new and sustained faculty development focused on integrated, interdisciplinary learning environments.

What measurable indicator(s) can be used to monitor progress?

Quantitative indicators could include:

• New courses and course revisions
• External funding secured
• Software programs and papers published
• Number of interdisciplinary faculty collaborations and educational initiatives (e.g., EDIG, CHAT)
• Number of funded faculty development projects incorporating innovative uses of technology
• Extension of learning opportunities into non-classroom settings

Proposed timeline—what is to be accomplished by:

2005-06	Interim coordinator appointed in Provost’s office Identify and nurture both existing and new educational innovation programs Initiate search for Vice/Assistant Provost for Educational Innovation Hire two interdisciplinary instructional design specialists to serve as a bridge between faculty and ITS in support of educational innovation programs.
2006-07	New vice/assistant provost develops a strategy to organize and enhance the existing educational innovation infrastructure. Hire two additional interdisciplinary instructional design specialists. Programs continue to grow and stabilize.
2007-08	Vice/Assistant provost works with CLT, libraries, information technology, and media services to establish innovative programs. Hire two additional interdisciplinary instructional design specialists.
2008-09	Vice/Assistant provost continues to coordinate and enhance programs, events, and resources for faculty development. Hire two additional interdisciplinary instructional design specialists.
2009-10	Vice/Assistant provost continues to coordinate and enhance programs, events, and resources for faculty development.

What resources will be required to accomplish this objective?

Financial	First year, $160K for two interdisciplinary instructional design specialists (2@$80K salary and benefits). Second year, above plus $180K for Vice/Assistant Provost for Educational Innovation, $45K for executive assistant, and $160K for two interdisciplinary instructional design specialists. Third year, above plus $160K for two interdisciplinary instructional design specialists. Fourth year, above plus $160K for two interdisciplinary instructional design specialists. [Salary figures include salary and benefits in current dollars.]
Personnel	Vice/Assistant Provost for Educational Innovation, executive assistant, and eight interdisciplinary instructional design specialists, one each in the following areas: Business, Education, Fine Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, Law, Nursing, Peace Studies, and Physical Sciences.
Space	Office space for vice/assistant provost, executive assistant, and eight interdisciplinary instructional design specialists.
Technical	Equipment for above positions.