Because divisive national political rhetoric has spilled over into higher education, Wake Technical Community College launched the Campus Civility Project: Emotionally Intelligent Conversations in 2017. This project was part of a Campus Compact Fund for Positive Engagement mini-grant, focusing on improving civil discourse among Wake Tech students, faculty, and staff. Creating an environment of civility and respect “is a college-wide responsibility including the words and actions of administrators, faculty, staff, and students. It must be ongoing and interactive” (Popovics, 2014). To reach all areas, levels, and members of the college, the Campus Civility Project was a collaborative effort led by a provost, dean, department head, and faculty member. Through emotional intelligence training, online professional development, assimilation in course curriculum, student promotional video creation, and tailoring training to specialized groups, the Campus Civility Project has successfully reached hundreds of administrators, faculty, staff, and students in less than two years.
The Indispensable Role of Faculty in Higher Education
If a university were a quilt, the faculty would be the threads holding the fabric together. But despite their essential role, faculty often find themselves undervalued and underappreciated. This article
Heidi Hillman
November 4, 2024