Off Campus

Closed to the Public

We invite you to the 28th annual overnight retreat, sponsored by the Center for Teaching, Learning & Research and the Writing Program, to be held at the Mountain Top Inn and Resort in Chittenden, about 45 minutes south of Middlebury (http://mountaintopinn.com). We will begin with lunch on Wednesday, August 26 and end in the afternoon on Thursday, August 27.

This year’s retreat will continue the tradition of bringing together new and experienced faculty in an informal setting. For the first time, however, we have a theme: “What Does It Mean To Be An Effective Liberal Arts Educator In Challenging Times?” We will pursue this question both philosophically and practically in two plenaries and various concurrent sessions. We are also incorporating several short contemplative practices, as well as designated opportunities to chat with representatives of several programs and offices. The teaching of writing, leading engaging and challenging discussions, effectively designing/scaffolding a course, reflecting on one’s identity as a teacher, and crafting new and engaging assignments are among the topics that will be discussed. Small working groups, typically a retreat highlight, will give each faculty member a chance to discuss drafts of assignments and syllabi for the coming year.

The Mountain Top Inn can accommodate about 30 people overnight for our retreat, and as usual, there should be space for families. You can find information about the Mountain Top Resort, and directions from Middlebury to the resort, on this site. Materials from last year’s retreat can be found here: http://sites.middlebury.edu/teachingandwriting/

Sponsored by:
Center for Teaching, Learning and Research

Contact Organizer

Norden, Colleen
cnorden@middlebury.edu
(802) 443 - 3026