Use of the Davis funds will coincide with academic goals highlighted in the College's Strategic Plan, which stresses student engagement in learning as a major element in the pursuit of academic excellence.

The $250,000, three-year grant will be used to strengthen three areas: student/faculty interaction, active and collaborative learning, and enriching educational experiences.

"We are excited to receive this grant from the Davis Educational Foundation, as we seek to foster a culture of student engagement in learning across the College," said Charles J. Haberle, assistant vice president for academic affairs. "The foundation's generosity to Providence College has been terrific, and we truly appreciate its support for student learning."

Dr. Laurie L. Grupp, director of the College's Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE), said the grant provides the College with resources to expand its already proud "tradition of engaging students in their learning within classrooms, in labs, through research presentations, and through other projects and activities."

"Faculty and students will now have increased opportunities to explore, discuss, and implement different pedagogical approaches, which will ultimately enhance the educational experience for everyone," she said.

Leadership of the project will be provided by a yet-to-be-named "Senior Engagement Fellow," who could potentially be a faculty member with specific experience or expertise in student engagement in learning.

Under the guidance of the engagement fellow, the project will be directed toward specific activities designed to enhance student engagement. These activities will be an ongoing speaker and workshop series; a fall faculty seminar on student engagement; student engagement mini-grants; and an annual campus celebration of scholarship, creativity, and engaged learning.

Project goals include increasing measurable indicators of student engagement in learning, establishing a campus culture that purposefully promotes and celebrates student engagement, and increasing regional dialogue on the topic of engagement.

The fellow will report to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. He or she will work directly with the College's CTE and various schools, academic departments, and programs. The fellow will be assisted by a Student Engagement Advisory Committee that will include faculty, students, and representatives from relevant centers and programs.

This is the second time the College has received substantial funding from the Davis Educational Foundation. In 2002, the foundation awarded $300,000 to PC to support the development of the Instructional Technology Development Program. That grant included approximately $150,000 in mini-grants to support faculty efforts to enhance their use of technology in the classroom.

The Davis Educational Foundation supports undergraduate programs of public, private, regionally accredited, and baccalaureate degree-granting colleges and universities throughout New England. It was established in 1985 by Stanton W. Davis and Elisabeth K. Davis after Mr. Davis retired as chairman of Shaw's Supermarkets, Inc. To date, the foundation has provided more than $75 million in grants to nearly 140 institutions.

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