by Robert Cole, Program Director, Reinert Center
There are instances for those of us who have taught for a long time that we realize something needs to change in our course. In a similar way, there are instances when larger changes need to be made at the program level, or when entirely new programs need to be developed. In some cases, our department or program may need the change, or accreditation agencies may make standard or competency changes that need to be addressed. There are many reasons we may need to rethink what we’ve been doing in our programming. Whether we need to look at a program because of the needs of our students or because the university is making changes, faculty may be called upon to redesign or create an entirely new program.
One of the services provided by the Reinert Center is to assist with the development or redesign of programs. Over time, we have developed a means by which we can provide a structure and support for those working through these processes. Up to this point, upon request of those working on the program development or redesign, the Center would provide in-person workshops that would help working groups accomplish their goals and complete their work – and of course we still will. However, I am writing this to share a new resource that may provide some of that structure and support outside of an in-person workshop. The Program Development and Redesign website is designed to share our process. It can be used in several ways: you can preview the process for planning purposes, you can begin work and call the Center when you are ready for assistance, you can target areas that may be best served by an outside facilitator, and many more.
The site is designed to provide considerations as you move through the development or redesign process. It does not prescribe a procedure or demand things be done in a certain way; instead, it lays out a process that we have found to be helpful in this kind of work. You can choose what parts make sense for you and your context. You can use the site as a resource to guide and support your work, or you can use it to plan if or when you may want to include the Center in your work.
On the landing page, you will find a statement of the purpose for the site. The overview page provides a more general overview of the process with some ideas around the considerations for program development or redesign. The individual development and redesign pages present more detailed ideas for consideration. For anyone doing program development or redesign work, this can be a first level resource or can serve as a resource for the entire process. At any stage, staff of the Reinert Center is ready to assist in any way that would be helpful.
The Notebook 