There is nothing more exciting to a faculty developer than seeing the community of scholars gather to share ideas and concerns. That is exactly what happened yesterday during the Faculty Learning Communities Expo. It was terrific watching the advocates (Mark Asteris, Nancy Blume, Jessica Dandona, Carmen Doering, Paul Hemenway, Melissa Hudler, Komal Karani, Tom Matthews, Tony Pereira, Michael Saar, Yasulo Sato, Jeremy Shelton, Kaye Shelton, Randy Smith, Vaness Villate, and Steve Zani) talking with potential members about the various FLC. The strategies included using logic, passion and some good old-fashioned arm twisting. In the end, we are very close to announcing our top four FLC for the 2011-12 Academic Year. If you have not returned your FLC enrollment form, scan and email it to todd.pourciau@lamar.edu, mail it to P.O. Box 10302 or hand deliver it to room 618 Mary and John Gray Library (MJGL) no later than Friday, September 16. Stay tuned for the big announcement coming soon. There is still time to register for the free faculty development webinar Avoiding a Mid-Career Crisis: Helping Faculty Manage Their Careers to be held on September 20 at 1:00 PM. The webinar will focus on navigating the path to tenure and what happens next. As we move forward on the Retention Ad-hoc Committee, it is exciting to watch the enrollment management efforts begin to crystallize. Research has shown that students will persist at a college if there is a high level of congruence between the student’s values, goals, and attitudes and those of the college. The admissions process and materials can be a key factor in developing students’ expectations of the institution and in their adjustment to college environments. The renewed efforts towards retention, starting with President Jimmy Simmons and Provost Steve Doblin, involves integrating all of the necessary pieces aligned with a commitment from our students. Positive results are just around the bend. The Student Homecoming Committee has planned a Midnight Breakfast for Wednesday, October 19 from 11 PM to 1 AM. They are currently asking for faculty and staff to volunteer as servers. It is a great opportunity to interact with your students. If you are interested, complete this form. Each volunteer will receive a free homecoming shirt. Go Big Red!