MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew LaPlant
561-297-3022, alaplant@fau.edu

FAU Creates Council for Excellence in Undergraduate Education

BOCA RATON, FL (January 31, 2006) - Florida Atlantic University President Frank Brogan and Provost John Pritchett have commissioned a Council for Excellence in Undergraduate Education (CEUE) to serve the University's commitment to undergraduate education.

The council will review lower division educational accomplishments, priorities and resources that affect the undergraduate experience at FAU. An array of topics will be addressed, including the impact of rising admissions standards on enrollment and diversity, the effective use of technology in teaching, and the efficacy of service learning opportunities. The objective is to strengthen FAU's capacity to recruit and retain high quality students, with a focus on excellence at every stage.

"No undertaking in the university's quest for excellence could be more significant at this time," said Pritchett. Thus, he is joined on the council by administrators and faculty representing the highest levels of the University, including FAU Board of Trustee Scott Adams, University Faculty Senate President and Board of Trustee Roy Levow and Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters Dean and Council Chair William A. Covino.

"The council represents FAU's commitment to making a strong undergraduate program that much stronger," said Covino. "Through a continuing dialogue involving students, faculty, and administrators, we will develop ideas and resources to enhance the teaching and learning experience here."

Some initial goals of the council include the creation of a Center for Teaching Excellence and Student Success, the expansion of honors education on the Boca Raton campus and the development of incentives for increased faculty involvement.

An interim report with recommendations will be submitted this spring. For more information on undergraduate education, visit the FAU website at www.fau.edu.

-FAU-