As of July 1, 2009 I have taken on the position of Director of Faculty Enrichment at Abilene Christian University (ACU). I will try to answer most questions that many of you will have but if I have missed anything don’t hesitate to contact me for more details. My permanent email address is nethowto@gmail.com.
Why am I leaving Lethbridge College and going to ACU?
Its about the learning…. The ACU vision for the 21st century includes four key statements, the first which is: ACU will produce leaders who think critically, globally and missionally. ACU’s focus is, and has always been, the learner and when you combine their commitment to building distinctive and innovative programs (their second vision statement) like ACU Connected where all freshmen get an iphone or iPod Touch, I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be part of this innovative approach to transforming higher education.
Full ACU Vision: http://www.acu.edu/aboutacu/vision.htm
What is or what does the Director of Faculty Enrichment really do?
As the Director of Faculty Enrichment my primary responsibility will be to help the faculty to develop active and engaging learning environments. More specifically, my basic responsibilities will include:
- Instructional Design
- Faculty Development
- Teaching, Learning and Technology
- Co-Chair the Faculty Development Committee
- Supervise Researchers in Residence, and Scholars in Residence
My essential functions will include:
- Review course syllabi; Review all new course applications and syllabi; Consult with Graduate Council and University Academic Council on new courses.
- Conduct New Faculty Orientation; Conceive and plan faculty development events; Set calendar for faculty development events in Adams Center; Work with Provost’s office on preparing faculty pre-session events; Plan faculty workshops on special topics; plan major faculty development initiatives; Maintain Faculty Development web site.
- Administer FIRST Projects; Administer grant process including Summer Stipends, Mini Grants etc.
What about your passion for technology–doesn’t this new position focus more on teaching and learning than it does technology?
Perhaps one of the biggest lessons that I have learned in the past few years at Lethbridge College is that you need to focus first on the learning before you can do anything with technology. ACU has recognized this and in my role as the Director of Faculty Enrichment I will be focusing on the development of effective learning environments–the technology integration happens as part of the process. ACU uses the cloud with Google Apps for Education, is North America’s first iPhone campus and is on the cutting edge of mobile technology that enables learners to purchase groceries, furniture and other essentials using the iphone. Getting the technology into the faculty and learners hands is the easy part–figuring out how to use technology effectively and productively to facilitate learning is the challenging part.
Where is, how big, and what type of institution is ACU?
ACU has an enrollment of 5000 students, is located in the southwest Texas city of Abilene and is a private faith-based University that grants both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
What about working in the US–are you a US citizen?
I will be entering the US under TN status which is a temporary work permit. ACU will be sponsoring me for a H-1B visa and my green card which I will be applying for after my first year.
Isn’t it going to be hard for you and your family to leave all your friends, family and associations in Canada?
When the opportunity first came up I almost didn’t take it because I was concerned that a move away from friends and family in Alberta would be hard on my wife and boys. We have only been in Lethbridge for 3 years and I was concerned another move would be difficult. However, my oldest son Levi (age 13) said he would be able to easily make another move and was looking forward to the adventure. My wife also views this move and an opportunity and another adventure for the Harapnuik family. While being initially concerned about leaving his new friends in Lethbridge and his old buddies in Edmonton, my youngest son Caleb has also warmed up to the idea of moving to Texas and is looking forward to starting the adventure. Now that we have made the “big” decision everyone is excited and anxious to move.
When does this all happen?
I started at ACU on July 1, 2009. Our house is sold and will close on July 27. I am currently back Lethbridge packing up and loading up a Uhaul truck and expect to start our drive to Abilene with all our possessions on July 27.
Where are you going to live–have you bought a house?
I will be staying on the ACU campus for the first month and then will be renting an apartment for my family. We will not be buying a house for a while because we want to take enough time to learn about the community and find the ideal place to live.
What about school for the boys?
The entire move will be a learning opportunity for the boys and we are striving to engage them in all aspects of the process. We will continue homeschooling our boys in the US and will be using this experience as a learning opportunity in which our boys will learn about selecting a place to live, selling and purchasing a house and all that goes with making these major life decisions.
Will you be coming back to Canada at some point?
The ACU position is a full-time permanent position so we expect to be there for a long time—perhaps the rest of my professional career. However, if an opportunity arose that was just too good to turn down, I wouldn’t be opposed to moving anywhere so we could be back some day—one never knows.
