Due to licensing limitations the Web-based system for collecting application reviews developed back in 2006-2007 could not be used.  This fact prompted the Committee to initiate the development of a Blackboard system for Summer Teaching Grants review that was envisioned as easily accessible by both reviewers and committee members. The system was expected to provide full on-line functionality, including electronic submission and collection of all forms and summarization of collected data.  The final product was very well received by reviewers as easy to use and fully functional. The use of existing features available through Blackboard, allowed for extensive set up of access permissions and overall confidentiality of the review process. The Committee also revised previous years review procedures and the criteria used by reviewers.  FEC oversaw the review of 26 applications this year.  Each application was assigned numerical scores on all criteria (previously communicated to applicants in the program solicitation) by three faculty members from throughout the University. Extensive comments were provided for most reviews and made available to applicants upon request. A total of twenty five reviewers were solicited.  Final ranking was produced and submitted to the Provost. Ten (or 38%) applications were consequentially funded by the Provost.

The Committee examined Summer Teaching Grant related statistical data, accumulated since 2006, including distribution of awards and applications by faculty rank and college affiliation. It was determined that the amount of data collected is not yet in a quantity that would warrant meaningful statistical interpretation. However, no early signs of bias associated with the review process were noticeable.  By presenting these results to the Faculty Association, the Committee encouraged upcoming FEC members to conduct future data collection and interpretation. The results of our analysis could be found at the Faculty Association’s Web site at: http://www.unf.edu/groups/unffa/Archive_1_Agenda/Archives2009_2010/
March_2010/info_items/item4.htm

The FEC was asked by the Academic Affairs office to elect a liaison between the FEC and the UNF Distance Learning committee. The chair was nominated and served in that capacity until the end of the academic year.

The Committee met with the Director of the OFE on several occasions and interacted with him in regard with a few OFE sponsored activities/programs. Most notable was the FEC involvement with the review of Course Redesign for Effective Learning (CREL) applications.  FEC members served as reviewers for that award program. A total of seventeen applications were reviewed and a final ranking was submitted to OFE for consideration.

Submitted by:

Zornitza Prodanoff, Chair, 2009-2010