Campus leaders and faculty members met last week at the second annual Education Council Strategic Planning Retreat, with topics ranging from the curriculum vision for iEXCEL℠ to the potential for a "curriculum inventory" across all college and institutes.
The group, led by Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dele Davies, M.D., discussed the iEXCEL℠ initiative and other technology to support UNMC's educational mission.
Dr. Davies said the iEXCEL℠ initiative "has the potential to transform how we teach.
"This is one of the most exciting projects I've ever been involved in," he said.
"We can lead the world," he told the group. "But if we want to maintain leadership and we want to lead the world, we cannot rely on the status quo. The world is changing around us, and if we're not aware of the changes, we're going to wake up one day and realize we've been left behind."
Breakout groups discussed:
- resources and technology to support iEXCEL℠ and educational innovation;
- faculty, staff and student development; and
- incentivizing faculty to pursue innovative education.
Howard Liu, M.D., director of faculty development, said the discussion of technology and its impact on the campus and the faculty raised useful questions among the campus leaders represented at the event.
"You need infrastructure to drive innovation, but when people just hear about innovation and they don't hear support, they are concerned, with good measure," he said.
"Our faculty have been inundated by change, both clinical and administrative. UNMC's Education Council and iEXCEL℠ leaders want to be thoughtful as we prepare for a revolution in higher education. On the ground, that means being intentional about professional development opportunities, ITS support staff, and faculty incentives to take risks in the classroom to engage the millennial learner."
Dr. Davies discussed the importance of remaining open to change as UNMC continues to concentrate on innovative education.
"We have to be astute as to all the changes and innovations that are going on around us if we want to maintain and increase our leadership position," he said.