The Meredith Professorship program honors outstanding teaching at Syracuse University. The goals of the initiative are:
- to recognize and reward excellence in teaching at all levels in a way that is seen as significant by faculty members, students and the public at large;
- to encourage all faculty members to look upon the many dimensions of teaching as manifold opportunities for constant improvement, even for the best teachers;
- to emphasize the importance the University places upon teaching by investing heavily in this most student-centered activity; and
- as a result of all of the above, to improve the teaching and learning environment on campus in ways that can be singled out and recognized as valuable.
Each year, two tenured faculty members are appointed to three-year terms as Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professors. Each professor receives an annual supplementary salary of $20,000, along with $5,000 for professional development and a $5,000 expense account to support programming through the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE). The professional development and expense funds can be used for activities that support teaching, such as hiring student assistants, purchasing teaching materials, traveling to conferences or hosting seminars.
Each recipient holds the Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professor designation for a period of three years. Typically, there are six active Meredith Professors in any given year.
Meredith Professors actively participate in the CTLE to improve the teaching and learning environment and foster campuswide conversations about teaching excellence. Each professor identifies a topic or theme related to teaching excellence and, in consultation with the CTLE director, develops programming for Syracuse University faculty. This programming may include workshops, guest speakers, one-on-one mentoring or team-teaching opportunities. The CTLE provides administrative support for these activities.
Meredith Professors are required to submit an annual progress report and a final summary of their work with the CTLE at the end of their term.
Meredith Professors may not take a leave of absence from the University for more than one semester during their three-year term. However, if a professor receives external funding for a full-year leave, their professorship term is extended by one year, with funds distributed during the fourth year.
Active and former Meredith Professors become part of the Meredith Symposium for life, which honors their ongoing contributions to the university. The active Meredith Professors plan the annual symposium, which focuses on strategies for supporting teaching excellence.
Selection Criteria and Nomination Process
Meredith Professors are chosen based on their overall excellence as teachers and their potential to improve the University’s teaching and learning environment. A prerequisite for consideration is a significant record of scholarly or creative work. Other factors include a nominee’s:
- Overall approach to teaching, as seen in teaching initiatives or innovations, in techniques for assessing student learning and in continued efforts to grow and improve as a teacher.
- Evidence of positive impact on student learning in their courses.
- Potential impact on the Syracuse University academic community through involvement with the CTLE.
- Ability to contribute to the University’s goal of academic excellence on a campus welcoming to all via pedagogical strategies
Eligible faculty members are nominated by their respective deans. Each school or college is allowed a set number of nominees based on the number of full-time faculty:
- 50 or fewer: one candidate
- 51 to 100: two candidates
- 101 to 200: three candidates
- 201 or more: four candidates
The nomination packet, which must be submitted as a single PDF, includes a coversheet, a formal nomination letter from the dean, a brief description of a proposed teaching theme, a teaching statement and an updated CV. Nominations are due in October.
Finalists
Finalists are selected from the pool of nominations and asked to submit additional materials. These materials, also submitted as a single PDF, include a finalist coversheet, a five-page statement on the proposed teaching theme, up to three examples of innovative teaching approaches and two letters from former students. The statement should outline how the professor would structure their work with the CTLE, which faculty would benefit, how they would assess the program’s impact and how the work would continue after their term ends. Materials are due in January.
A review committee of faculty and students recommends candidates to the Chancellor, who makes the final selection. The awards are presented at the annual One University Awards Ceremony in April. The Chancellor may modify program details and processes to better achieve stated goals.
For more information, contact Amanda Latreille at 315.443.5413 or arlatrei@syr.edu.