Eastern’s department of faculty development will speak to the College of Arts and Humanities at 11 a.m. today in the Recital Hall of the Doudna Fine Arts Center.

Krishna Thomas, the assistant director for faculty development, said the session is strictly for faculty who would like to voice any concerns or suggestions they have.

“Our office is in a transition period,” Thomas said. “We would like faculty input to determine our new direction. It’s really just an opportunity to see what the faculty want.”

Thomas also said the transition is in part because of the new interim dean, Dagni Bredesen. Bredesen will be speaking at the session.

Blair Lord, the provost and vice president for academic affairs, will also be speaking at the event. He agreed with Thomas about the office’s transition period.

“A transition in leadership is always a good time to revisit the initiatives and programs and see if some new directions would be appropriate,” Lord said.

Thomas said while this is the fourth dialogue session, it is the first time the department has had focus groups for Eastern’s faculty. The previous three sessions have been with the other colleges while this final one will be focused on the College of Arts and Humanities.

Lord explained that these sessions were originally announced when Bredesen first became the interim dean at the beginning of the year.

During the session, Bredesen and Lord will listen to any thoughts the audience presents.

“I will be going to this meeting like I have the previous three, with an open mind expecting to hear a number of different ideas,” Lord said.

After the session is completed, Thomas said Lord and Bredesen will compile their notes from faculty feedback and discuss with the faculty development advisory committee where to take the program next.

“Most of the faculty have a hectic schedule but if they can make it we would like them to come,” Thomas said.

Seth Schroeder can be

reached at 581-2812

or [email protected]