Second round of retreat grants available A second round of “closing the assessment loop” retreat grants will be awarded to academic departments to fund retreats to be held no later than November 2007. Departments may apply to receive Bush-funded grants of up to $500, which can be used for food (consistent with University guidelines), duplicating, and/or faculty stipends for pre-retreat organization, retreat facilitation, or data analysis. The purpose of the retreats is to improve student learning by spending concentrated time in conversation with departmental colleagues. Retreat time can be used to share information collected during previous months of assessment work, figure out what meaning the information has for the department, and make plans for future curriculum or assessment work. To apply for a retreat grant: Please submit a one-two page proposal that includes a proposed retreat agenda and budget, as well as a narrative description of both. Also include a letter of support from the chair (unless the chair is submitting the proposal). Send to Joan Hawthorne, Stop 8176 or <joan_hawthorne@und.nodak.edu>. Proposals should be received by May 11. -- Joan Hawthorne, Assistant Provost, Provost Office, joan_hawthorne@und.nodak.edu, 7-4684