General Information

The theme of this year’s retreat is "Creating Wicked Students… Now and Beyond." As instructors, we all desire our students to be ready and able to create positive change for the world and society.The future is unknown, as are the challenges ahead and possible solutions. These challenges, or wicked problems, require out of necessity that our students develop what Paul Hanstedt (2018) calls “wicked competencies.” Examples of these competencies are when students are open to new challenges, know when and what to question, can draw from multiple areas, and are not afraid to fail. Just providing disciplinary knowledge and skill content is necessary but not sufficient. Students with wicked competencies are prepared now and beyond to solve wicked problems.

Even though this year’s retreat will be a virtual event, retreat attendees will be able to participate in hands-on activities and large and small group discussions. We will highlight several of our exemplary teachers across the disciplines who have created a safe academic environment for their students to develop wicked competencies. Helpful resources from our faculty presenters will be provided. In addition, we encourage attendees to apply for this year’s grants to implement ideas inspired during the retreat.

Hanstedt, P. (2018). Creating wicked students: Designing courses for a complex world. Sterling, VA: Stylus

Goals of the Retreat

The goals for the Annual Faculty Retreat are to build on our collective knowledge about teaching and learning, to share innovative ideas and approaches, and to promote partnerships within and beyond the campus community.