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Brooke Kruemmling, PhD, COMS, associate provost, was excited to see all of the Salus University faculty in “three dimensions” this year, as the in-person faculty social felt like “the first in a decade.”
Although it has only been around two years since the last in-person faculty social, pre-pandemic activities often feel like a lifetime ago.
On Thursday afternoon, August 25, faculty members met in the Hafter Student Community Center for an in-person reception recognizing new members of the University faculty, those who were promoted and those who officially received tenure while mingling and enjoying much needed refreshments. The recognitions were presented by James Konopack, PhD, dean of the College of Health Sciences, Education and Rehabilitation (CHER); Melissa Trego, OD ‘04, Resident ‘09, PhD, dean of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO); Dr. Kruemmling in replacement of Radhika Aravamudhan, PhD, dean of the Osborne College of Audiology (OCA) who was unable to attend; and Barry Eckert, PhD, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs.
The next day, Friday, August 26, Salus faculty engaged in a University Development Day to prepare for the year ahead. The morning kicked off with a presentation from Beth Moy, MSW, chief of staff, in which she reported on recent developments at the University and goals for the upcoming academic year.
Following the Presidential report, Karen J. Hanson, PhD, director of Interprofessional Practice and Education, Ryan Hollister, MS, director of Bennett Career Services Center and Melissa A. Vitek, OD ‘95, FAAO, dean of the Department of International and Continuing Education presented on “Attaining Proficiency in Interprofessional Collaborative Practice through Microcredential Badging.” Microcredentials are shorter and more focused courses that provide students with competency-based knowledge on a particular area or skill of interest. Microcredentials are flexible and optional for students to engage in whenever they choose. After the presentation, the faculty engaged in a productive discourse regarding implementing microcredentials within various programs throughout the University.
The last presentation before a quick break was given by Caitlyn Foy, OTD, MOTR/L, CLA, director of the Occupational Therapy Doctoral program and Rachel Ditoro, MSPAS, PA-C, director of the Physician Assistant Studies program on a new peer review of teaching program. The program has been in development by Dr. Foy, Ditoro and the rest of their team for the past few years and the faculty members were excited to introduce it to their colleagues. The new system would allow faculty more flexibility with their reviews and introduce a partner-based format.
The development day wrapped up with a discussion led by James Lang, PhD, author of the book “Small Teaching,” in which a copy was provided to all faculty as a part of the development day. His discussion centered around the findings of his research and best practices for educators to improve student outcomes.
Salus faculty are excited about the new developments of the University and are looking forward to the upcoming year.
