SAFE Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Paul Sebastian
Dr. Paul Sebastian, assistant professor, Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures
Student and Faculty Excellence (SAFE) fund recipient
Project: “Oral Proficiency Assessment Workshop Honoraria”
The SAFE grant allowed Sebastian to incentivize fellow colleagues to participate in an oral proficiency assessment workshop. He successfully filled all available spots in the workshop and faculty expressed great satisfaction with the experience. Faculty who participated in the workshop will have the opportunity to integrate an oral assessment component in their upcoming fall courses.
“This will help us better understand proficiency levels upon completion of fourth semester courses. Once we have that data, we'll be able to make better decisions about how to improve the curriculum for a better overall student experience in our introductory level language courses.
I believe the $100 honoraria helped to show faculty that we are mindful of their time and energy and are willing to compensate them, even modestly, for activities that go above and beyond their regular workloads,” explained Sebastian.
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About the SAFE Fund
Initially endowed by Hughlene and Bill Frank, the College of Arts and Sciences Student and Faculty Excellence (SAFE) Fund provides resources that can be used to support undergraduate, graduate and faculty experiences. The SAFE Fund provides funding for college priorities and opportunities that arise throughout the year. These unrestricted funds support student and faculty travel, publication support for faculty and student research opportunities. Learn more at: https://cas.appstate.edu/students/student-and-faculty-excellence-safe-fund.
About the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures
The Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures offers courses that enhance students’ understanding of other cultures and languages as well as their own, making them prepared for lifelong learning in a multicultural world. Learn more at https://dllc.appstate.edu.
Dr. Paul Sebastian, SAFE recipient. Photo by University Communications.
Dr. Paul Sebastian, SAFE recipient. Photo by University Communications.