Florida State University (FSU) College of Communication & Information Associate Dean, Dr. Stephen McDowell, was a guest speaker at a FSU Communicators* Network meeting on March 18, 2014.  He spoke about a new initiative, known as Think FSU, now being launched university-wide.  Dr. McDowell has been involved on the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) for Think FSU’s implementation committee’s leadership team that worked on this project.

Florida State has developed Think FSU as a means to improve the critical thinking skills of juniors and seniors in the disciplines.  “This initiative is important in preparing students for the kinds of challenges and responsibilities they will face in different parts of life,” said Dr. McDowell.  “The places, people and tasks we find ourselves working with may change, but clear thought and analysis and communication will retain their value.”

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges requires a five-year action plan for enhancing an aspect of student learning, as part of the comprehensive review process for the university’s reaccreditation.  The QEP plan, developed by a committee headed by Dr. Helen Burke, will implement both the Faculty Fellows Program, which calls for competitive grants given annually to faculty to participate in a summer training program, and a Disciplinary Critical Thinking Project, which gives grants designed to enhance critical thinking in the upper-division curricular programs.

In the Communicators* Network meeting, Dr. McDowell stressed the importance of connecting with students and further discussed the QEP plan.  He also addressed how the departments of those involved are an integral part of supporting and sharing the word about this important new initiative.

Attendees who were at the Communicators Network* meeting where Dr. McDowell spoke are representatives from various colleges, schools, divisions and departments within FSU.  They are responsible for coordinating and integrating marketing and communication efforts across campus to best support the university’s mission, brand and key initiatives.

 

Visit Think FSU’s website at: think.fsu.edu

Read an article published by University Communications about Think FSU at: news.fsu.edu/More-FSU-News/Think-FSU-Plan-aims-to-enhance-critical-thinking-skills

Find more information about the FSU Communicators* Network and their monthly meetings at: communicatorsnetwork.fsu.edu