Look back to this page often for PRISM News and updates on how PRISM is infusing our campus with an intentional focus on critical thinking.

PRISM Freshman Seminars for 2012 - 2013:

Do you have a really intriguing idea for a seminar that you have been wanting to teach?

A course that would introduce critical thinking skills to freshmen, engage them in your discipline, and address an interesting and complex problem in your field?A course that would give you the opportunity to dig in deeply, engage students in more active learning strategies to interact with the ideas, and apply an experiential learning component? 

Then...PRISM FRESHMEN SEMINARS are for you! 

Application forms can be found by following the link in the menu on the left-hand side of the page, and the deadline for proposals is March 16, 2012.  Decisions will be made before March 31 to allow for planning.  Support for first-time PRISM Seminar instructors includes:

• $500 Summer Stipend for development of materials
• Departmental adjunct support for course replacement as needed for first-time instructors
• Resources for media or other instructional materials
• Professional development in critical thinking at either Stone Soup or other conference opportunities

CT Intentional Designation for Courses:

Last year, faculty approved the implementation of a CT Designation of courses offered by departments and faculty who wish to highlight the intentional focus and development of critical thinking skills in the discipline within specific courses. PRISM is ready to accept CT-Designation applications and the application forms can be found by following the link in the menu on the left-hand side of this page. CT Designation Applications will be accepted each semester on a rolling deadline. The deadline for this semester is March 31, 2012 and decisions will be made by April 20, 2012.  Criteria and information are included on the application form.  Support grants are available for faculty who need summer stipend support in making modifications to a course to include and infuse critical thinking skills.  See information below.

CT Summer Support Stipend Grants:

Do you have a course in which you would like to infuse more critical thinking and designate as a CT-Intentional course?  There are funds available for 10 summer support grants of $500 each to support faculty members in making course modifications to a course that is being designated CT.  Some courses and faculty members will need this support, and others may not.  The deadline to apply for support funding is also March 31, 2012 and application forms can be found by following the link in the menu on the left-hand side of this page.