Gustavus Adolphus College

The Center for Vocational Reflection supports a comprehensive initiative to equip all members of the Gustavus community to think more intentionally about their lives in terms of "vocation"--an ongoing, active commitment to the welfare of the communities in which one lives, a lifelong calling to service and servant-leadership in a complex world. Since our program is rooted in the heart of the College's mission, we provide opportunities and resources for every member of the community--students, staff, administration, and faculty. In that spirit, we'd like to let you know of a number of things that we hope will be of special interest to you in your teaching and advising, professional development, community involvement, and vocational discernment and reflection throughout the coming year.

Content:

1. Faculty Development opportunities
   • "Gustavus as a Mentoring Community"
   • 2007 Gustavus as a Mentoring Community Application.
     
     
2. FTS sessions
   
   
3. Funding
   
   
4. CVR Resource Center

1. Faculty Development opportunities:
   
   • "Gustavus as a Mentoring Community"
     • All faculty, administrators, and staff are welcome to participate in a year-long series of programs, guest speakers, workshops, dinners, and conversations around this theme, which was kicked off with a 3-day workshop led by author and educator Sharon Parks in June. For your own copy of her book, Big Questions, Worthy Dreams: Mentoring Young Adults in Their Search for Meaning, Purpose, and Faith, stop by or contact the CVR. And watch for announcements and details about the various events that are being planned for the year.
     • 2007 Gustavus as a Mentoring Community Application
       
2. FTS sessions to introduce the concept of vocation in the liberal arts, the CVR's programs and services, and the like--tailored to meet your needs and schedule. We will again be soliciting nominations from FTS faculty for first-year students to attend the annual Big Questions Retreat, in J-Term and spring. (We also welcome faculty and staff to help with leading this expanding series of retreats; let us know if you're interested.) We also invite you to work with us to plan a "reunion" gathering for your FTS during J-Term or spring semester, or to brainstorm other ways to enrich your students' First Year Experience.
   
   
3. Funding for course-related expenses, professional development, campus programs and guest speakers, and the like to foster course- or discipline-based, departmental, and/or interdisciplinary and collaborative exploration of vocation across the curriculum and throughout the college. Contact the CVR for more information.
   
   
4. CVR Resource Center: stop in our office (210 Johnson Student Union) to browse and check out books and other resources, and to learn more about these and many other programs for the entire Gustavus community. We welcome questions, suggestions, and collaborations anytime.