Ideas welcomed for 2010-11 Common Theme

It’s never too early to start planning for the next campus Common Theme. Scott Furlong, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, is asking for proposals for the 2010-11 Common Theme. “I believe the common theme has unique opportunities for our campus and community and has encouraged people and offices around campus to work together in the development of the theme. It also has provided mechanisms for faculty and staff to incorporate the theme into their classes and programs if they choose to do so,” Furlong said in a letter to campus. Proposals are due by Nov. 13 and should be submitted to Furlong at furlongs@uwgb.edu. Decisions on proposals will be made and communicated no later than Jan. 8, 2010. The person(s) who develop the chosen Common Theme will be awarded $3,000.

The proposal elements and submittal information:

• Theme proposed lends itself to interdisciplinary analysis and conversation
• Theme proposed is of high academic caliber and conducive to scholarly dialogue
• Theme proposed lends itself to collaborative links across the campus (student affairs, academic affairs, and community engagement)
• Theme/Text proposed is accessible, yet potentially engaging, for students and community
• Proposal suggests possible contributors, speakers, and participants for a Common Theme structured around the suggested theme
• Proposal suggests possible media, books, etc. that potentially connect to the proposed theme
• Applicants submit a Common Theme proposal (no more than five pages) that includes the following elements: Title of Common Theme; Introduction that describes the theme, its importance, and discusses why it is an appropriate topic for a campus-wide theme; Discussion of basic expectations of the theme. This may include potential common readings, films, speakers, etc. Please clearly identify potential elements here with a short summary; and associated campus activities that may tie into theme
• Applicants are strongly urged to collaborate with offices and individuals around campus to gain insight into possible campus-wide programming. The broader the collaboration, the more people interested and engaged and the more successful the theme.