Website resources for faculty and staff

With the fall semester in full swing it’s a good time to remind new and returning staff, faculty and students of a couple of university websites they may find beneficial.

The first, www.academic-plan.ucalgary.ca will be of interest in the coming weeks when the “Fall 2005 Progress Report on the Academic Plan” will be published. The report, which has been compiled every year at this time since 2003, takes a look back at the past 12 months to see where the university has been and where it’s going in relation to its many ongoing projects as outlined in the academic plan.

The plan, called Raising our Sights, was developed in April 2002 with the input of deans, the University Planning Committee, the Senate and General Faculties Council to provide the university with strategic direction. The goal is to strengthen the quality of the university’s academic programs and to position the U of C for continuing success through the articulation of core principles and several strategic academic priorities.

Whether you’re a new faculty member or a University of Calgary veteran, you may want to consider adding the “First Stop for Academics’ Professional Development” website (www.ucalgary.ca/AcademicsDevelopment/) to your list of favourites.

“ The site, which was originally designed with the newcomer in mind, is intended to make the transition to this large and complex university a smooth one by giving faculty members access to much of the information they need to begin a successful career here,” says Dr. Ronald Bond, Provost and Vice-President (Academic). “It’s also a great resource for seasoned faculty members who want to know more about the many programs, initiatives and resources found at the U of C. The website has tips on everything from parking to childcare to the availability of support for research provided on campus. It also allows faculty members and others to tap into the many teaching and learning resources available at the university. ”