WATSON PROFESSORSHIP

MISSION, GOALS, AND OBJECTIVES

Presented by: Dr. Barbara Anne Duchardt, Associate Professor, College of Education, for the 2000-2001 school year.

My Mission for the Watson Professorship is to support and mentor the NSU faculty in the seven colleges in learning, applying, and evaluating research-based procedures and strategies in their college classes. When faculty integrate research-based procedures and learning strategies into their course presentations, their planning and organization will assist ALL students in mastery of course content.

The seven colleges include: General College, College of Business, College of Liberal Arts, College of Education, College of Science and Technology, College of Nursing, and The Scholars College. I propose the following steps to accomplish my mission of PROJECT FACTS: FACULTY APPLY CONTENT ENHANCEMENT IN TEACHING STUDENTS (See Timeline and Organizational Chart).
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Step 1: Administer a Faculty Needs Assessment to identify the specific needs of each 
faculty member in each College.

Step 2: Order research-based Content Enhancement Procedures, Learning Strategies 
Manuals for each to use in their classroom (Approximate cost per college $300, total cost: $2100).

Step 3: Teach the faculty how to use and apply the research-based procedures and 
strategies in one college class.

Step 4: Apply the research-based procedures and strategies in one college class.

Step 5: Support, mentor, and give feedback to the faculty in their intervention efforts.

Step 6: Administer a Faculty Satisfaction Questionnaire to evaluate the each teacher's 
satisfaction with the intervention(s).

Step 7: Share the feedback with the faculty and the Dean of each College.

Step 8: Present this initiative at a national conference on Teacher Education.

Step 9: If the faculty is satisfied with their knowledge and skills of the research-based 
procedures and strategies, there is the potential to continue this initiative into a 
second year. The NSU faculty would learn and apply additional research-based 
procedures and strategies.

Northwestern's Disability Services Office has had an increase in registered students over the last several years. During the 1998-99 academic year 140 registered students with disabilities utilized appropriate services and academic accommodations necessary in providing equal educational opportunities. The following year the number of students with disabilities increased during the fall semester, with twenty additional incoming freshmen and transfer students with disabilities registered for services. 

Because of the significant number of students being served, the General College and Office of Disability Services have created the Arthur C. Watson Professorship for Excellence in Academic Accommodation. The professorship was made possible with funding from the Arthur C. Watson family and Louisiana Board of Regents. The professorship will be awarded to a Northwestern faculty member for one academic year, with an option to renew for a second year. Specific responsibilities are listed below:

Responsibilities of the Professorship

1. Share knowledge and interest in disability education that will enhance the preparation of faculty and staff for instructional and service roles; 
2. Assist in developing and conducting workshops for faculty, staff, students, and citizens to increase awareness concerning disabilities;
3. Plan and implement assessment of campus resources including facilities, 
technology, and academic accommodations; and
4. Submit a final report detailing activities and evaluation of objective.

Benefits of the Professorship

1. The distinguished title of Arthur C. Watson Professor for Excellence 
in Academic Accommodation;
2. A minimum teaching load of 9-12 hours after allowing for a single course release per semester; and
3. A $3,000-$4,000 budget to be used in the commission of the responsibilities
of the professorship (budget may vary based on annual interest accrued).

Minimum Qualifications of Applicants will include, but are not limited to:

1. The professorship is open to a tenure-track faculty member from any NSU College.
2. The faculty member will have demonstrated interest in disability accommodation (e.g. application of federal and state disability laws, professional service activity, or specialized interest).

Application Process

There is an Online Submission Application for the Watson Professorship available.  If you elect to provide your answers on paper, submit them--the questions are listed on the online page--on no more than four attached pages (8 1/2 x 11) and a include your curriculum vitae and a cover letter.  Send it to:

Arthur C. Watson Professorship
Attn: Chair, Search Committee
General College
239 Kyser Hall 
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497