Few EET Updates for July

1. Performance Reviews (better word is Performance Conversations :): We are almost finished all the reviews for this year. Thanks to Chris, Elio, and Lorne for your help with these, and to everyone who took the time to complete their self-appraisals and PD plans. Reflecting on last year's goals and thinking through your goals for next year is time well spent as we move into a very busy year of implementing the DL Strategy.

2. DL Strategy: Last week Chris and I attended the Academic Leadership Team (ALT) meeting with Peter Leclaire and the Deans to present our recommendations for what we think we can support over the next three years. We are now waiting for feedback from ALT and will make revisions as necessary. As soon as we think we have a final (or close to final) version, we'll have another information session for all EET staff. For the time being, I have several copies of the recommendations in my office. Because they are in draft form and haven't been approved, I hesitate to send copies around, but you are welcome anytime to stop by and read through them.

3. New projects: We've had more requests for support in the last week or so. They just keep on coming!

• The Youth in Transition program in the English Language Centre is submitting a proposal this week to develop learning objects that would be hosted on a website. Proposal is due this week.
• Today I received an email from the Centre for Advancement in Community Justice. They have received funding to develop a 40 hour training course in the security industry. I don't have much for details yet, but it sounds like mostly formatting and media support.
• Last week Ian received an email from an "official" from Correctional Services Canada who is interested in further discussion on virtual simulations. We are in the process of setting up a meeting in mid-July.
  
• The Welding apprenticeship program has received funding to develop a series of learning objects (digital learning activities, video clips, etc) to be made accessible to welding students. Again, I don't have a lot of information on this yet, but we're meeting next week.
• We've been meeting with the Practical Nursing program to plan delivery in a blended format (online and video conference) to the "Community Campuses" (Fort Macleod, Claresholm, Pincher Creek, and / or Crowsnest Pass) starting in fall 2011.
  

This is exciting and somewhat overwhelming all at one time!

4. New Positions
Several competitions have now closed, including the Formatter and AV Technologist position. We will be scheduling interviews within the next couple of weeks. The Instructional Designer positions close on Friday, July 9.

5. Director Position
I've accepted the Director of EET position effective July 1, 2010. This position is in most ways the same as the Chair position, except for a few things: I leave my faculty position and now have an "excluded" / admin position, and we have a change in some reporting responsibilities. All the curriculum consultants, including Sue, Debbie, Connie, and Julie will now report to me, whereas in the past they reported to Karen O'Dwyer.

6. Summer Plans

• We're planning a Strengths session in July, followed by a BBQ and a Bocce Ball tournament. Watch for more information on this later this week!
• Hike in Waterton - date and hikes to be determined