University of Central Arkansas

Instructional Development Center
Torreyson West, Suite 305                                             
501-450-5240
Fax 501-450-5746
e-mail:  idc@uca.edu

MISSION AND PURPOSES OF THE IDC

The Instructional Development Center (IDC) is a central facility designed to assist faculty in their continued improvement of teaching and learning.  Being responsive to faculty needs and interests is the driving force behind the Instructional Development Center’s programs and services.  The IDC remains committed to three guiding principles: 1) faculty participation, 2) voluntary involvement, and 3) innovative teaching that enhances student learning. 

The IDC has as its central purposes the following:

• To meet the needs of faculty in improving teaching and learning in their classes;
• To provide support for campus programs relating to teaching;
• To stimulate and support creative and scholarly activities connected to teaching;
• To assist faculty in becoming active members of the University community.

The IDC is the responsibility of the Director of Faculty Development, who reports to the Provost.  This is a half-time appointment with the other half time as a faculty member. The IDC also has one full-time Instructional Technology Consultant and four Faculty Coordinators serving one-quarter time each. One full-time secretary attends to the basic office functions and makes sure the logistical needs for all the programs are met. 

Specifically, the functions of the IDC are as follows:

• To assist faculty in the improvement of their teaching by offering workshops, luncheon discussions, retreats, discussion groups, and seminars;
• To inform faculty of the latest scholarship and research on teaching by bringing in  speakers, maintaining a web page, and disseminating information;
• To support the efforts of the Faculty Development Committee by keeping records, mailing documents, and arranging meetings;
• To coordinate activities with other programs such as Sponsored Programs, Undergraduate Studies, and General Education in support of teaching;
• To provide orientation and support for new faculty and part-time faculty;
• To provide programs in technology that will assist faculty in their teaching;
• To support various ad hoc committees and programs organized for specific purposes related to teaching
• To provide feedback to faculty on their teaching through such activities as videotaping of classes and individual consultation.

The Instructional Development Center is committed to providing equal professional support and opportunity for all faculty. An important aspect of university life is the opportunity to work and learn in a diverse community where there are other individuals from varied backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, religion, spiritual beliefs, national origin, age, gender, marital status, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, and intellectual perspective.