ACHIEVING GREATER EXPECTATIONS

The Network for Academic Renewal Conference
November13-15, 2003
Washington, DC

Released in September 2002, the AAC&U report, Greater Expectations: A New Vision for Learning as a Nation Goes to College calls for a dramatic reorganization of undergraduate education to ensure that ALL students receive an education of lasting value, relevant for the 21st century. The report shares the vision of a New Academy based on an engaged and practical liberal education and fostered by intentional practice at all institutional levels. To respond to the challenges created both by near-universal college attendance and by the global, knowledge-based economy, Greater Expectations urges all stakeholders in higher education toward concerted action.

One year after the report's release, AAC&U brought together multiple audiences to take stock of progress in moving from the vision of the New Academy to a changed reality. Achieving Greater Expectations allowed attendees to share experiences and practices that improve teaching, learning, and institutional processes. The conference was designed for:

• Faculty members, academic administrators, student affairs personnel, presidents, and students - individually or in teams
• Individuals and/or teams from campuses and K-12 schools currently working on advancing the Greater Expectations recommendations and vision
• Individuals and/or teams from institutions planning for change and wishing to learn from others
• Leaders from the education, business, community action, and policy sectors seeking discussions with leading innovators in higher education.

The final program reflected the interests and work of participants, many of whom facilitated discussions. Topics represented included: principles of intentional practice; purposeful curricular pathways; diversity and civic engagement as levers for change; integrating general education, the major, and the co-curriculum; assessment; and many more. For more details, visit the program page.

This hybrid meeting/institute featured diverse institutions offering a broad range of ideas, models, and networking possibilities. The Greater Expectations Leadership Institutions and Commended Campuses contributed to and led some of the interactive discussion sessions, providing a cadre of individuals experienced in learning-centered educational change.

Special Features:

Conversations and Reflection
In addition to scheduled workshops and sessions, there was time dedicated to discussions among colleagues and/or time for campus teams to work on specific issues.

From Vision to Local Action
AAC&U offered individual and team consultations for participants to meet with recognized experts in areas of interest. This was the debut of AAC&U 's new consulting group, the Strategies for Achieving Greater Expectations (SAGE) Group.

If you have questions, please e-mail us at meetings@aacu.org.