The Ingredients:

-Massive administrative support
-A dedicated director
-A faculty advisory council
-A core of faculty members who are willing to engage in this work and share it with others

The Faculty Advisory Council:

-Insure Representation Across Disciplines
-Tap Respected Faculty
-Let FACULTY Define Initiatives
-Support FACULTY Initiatives

Success may depend on the initiative being of, by, and for the faculty. Advisory council members can steer the enterprise. They can be inspired by the prospects of what the initiative can do and so contribute their own time and effort without acknowledgement in tasks which they, themselves, often define. This is “bottom up” infusion of energy.

Advisory council members should be chosen carefully. Ensure membership is representative. Primarily use senior, respected faculty: they know the ins and outs of the institution and their presence validates and lends prestige to the SOTL effort.

Make sure the initial SOTL thrusts on the campus reflect consensus of faculty on the advisory council. Let faculty members feel empowered to influence key decisions. Advisory council members suggested doubling the amount of the SOTL grants proposed by administration, defined and addressed the human subjects issue for SOTL, and took the initiative to bring the research establishment into partnership.

Administration supported the advisory council initiatives and decisions.