The Colorado College community continues to complete and update components of the strategic plan, putting ideas into action.<\/p>\n
In 2013-14, the Center for Immersive Learning and Engaged Teaching<\/b> funded 10 pilot projects that advanced the center\u2019s vision. One of those successful projects was an adjunct writing course focused on senior theses. Molly Gross, the former associate director of the Writing Center who worked intimately with this project, said the pilot\u2019s interdisciplinary nature created a sense of community that provided a safe space for student writers to collaborate and challenge one another.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe thesis is where they transition from being students to being professionals, and that skin can be uncomfortable. This is their opportunity to confront that, to make a stand and be clear about where they live in that conversation,\u201d Gross said.<\/p>\n
This pilot\u2019s success has spurred an initiative to hire a part-time undergraduate thesis writing specialist to expand the pilot into year-long programming that will include offering thesis courses throughout the academic year, and coordinating workshops and writing retreats during block breaks, Half Block, and Summer Session, a position funded for two years by the Mellon Grant.<\/p>\n
Building on the success of the Office of International Programs, CC created an Office of Field Study<\/b> by hiring its first director, Drew Cavin.\u00a0The new office will assist faculty in all disciplines as they design and incorporate field study into their courses.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think that the Block Plan allows for so many very special and unique educational opportunities, as well as opportunities for students to grow as people and experience the world,\u201d said Cavin, who earned his Ph.D. in recreation, park, and tourism sciences from Texas A&M University.<\/p>\n
CC has now moved into phase two of the library renovation and programming initiative<\/b>: Design architect selection. Design architect services include floor-by-floor schematic design, as well as proposed use of materials on the building\u2019s exterior and interior.\u00a0In late August, the college invited 18 architectural firms to participate in a request for qualifications for design architect services.\u00a0The firms included those who participated in the first phase, as well as recommendations from the Library Action Team and campus leadership.<\/p>\n
The college selected four firms from 13 submissions to participate in a request for proposals and to present proposals on campus during October. The four firms selected included Michael Graves & Associates, Pfeiffer Partners, Sasaki Associates, and Will Bruder Architects, and the goal is to complete the selection and negotiation process by the close of the first semester.<\/p>\n