As you are no doubt aware, the Discovery Seminar Program (DSP) of the University of Kentucky continues to evolve in a number of ways; for example, course curricula, expansion of seminars offerings, involvement of faculty members across the University, and reassessment due to budgetary issues. Below are answers to some of the questions that different faculty have raised over the years. The answers to the questions are presented below considering only the program's current situation within the University. The answers may be different in the future or, perhaps, were different in the past. This is, of course, the nature of a program that continues to develop.

1. How are Discovery Seminars different from any other 100-level course at UK?
2. What are my obligations as a Discovery Seminar Program faculty member in addition to the normal responsibilities of a faculty member?
3. What is the class schedule for Discovery Seminars?
4. What is the examination policy?
5. What is the grading policy?
6. What is the policy on service learning?
7. What course evaluations are conducted for Discovery Seminars?
8. Is it okay if I lecture?
9. Are there funds available for special activities?
10. Do the students in my seminar have to take part in a DSP showcase?
11. What special support mechanisms are in place for me as a DS faculty member?

1. How are Discovery Seminars different from any other 100-level course at UK? The DSP courses are intended to provide students with several important opportunities:
   
   • The chance to explore an intellectually challenging subject with a committed faculty member
   • The chance to experience a small seminar course in their first semester
   • The opportunity to learn how to be a successful undergraduate student at a research university such as the University of Kentucky. This activity requires that DSP faculty members take on an extended responsibility for advising and mentoring their students
   
   Because Discovery Seminars are intended to include assistance and experiences especially designed to help first-year students made a successful transition from high school to the University, DSP faculty members are expected to provide guidance and mentoring on a range of topics, such as available resources, effective study habits, meaningful note-taking, appropriate time management, and understanding and utilizing a course syllabus. Many first year students often find university faculty members intimidating, DSP faculty members are expected to facilitate meetings with their students and help them to learn how to benefit from such meetings.
2. What are my obligations as a Discovery Seminar Program faculty member in addition to the normal responsibilities of a faculty member? DSP faculty are expected to be involved in the activities of the program. It is clear from the evidence we have that the more involved the faculty member is in the life of the program, the more successful the students are, and the seminar goes very well.
   
   You are expected to participate in the following:
   
   • Faculty development workshops
   • Occasional faculty forums during the academic year
   • Monthly lunches during the fall semester
   • The DSP showcase the occurs in mid-November (required)
   • Student/Faculty gatherings that bring together many of the seminars
   
   Discovery Seminar faculty are expected to be actively involved with teaching their students about the intellectual life of the University, assisting them to be truly engaged learners from their first semester on campus. Some faculty have volunteered to participate in UK 101, and we have one Living Learning Community. Much of what should be covered about the University beyond the content of your seminar is covered in UK 101. However, only a handful of your students will be enrolled in UK 101 (if they are not automatically enrolled through one of the five courses that are cohort scheduled).
   
   Hence, you can expect that many of your students will not know much of the information that instructors have come to expect of more advanced students, e.g., how to use the library, or where particular buildings or resources are located. There are many handouts available to help you prepare your students for academic success several are included in your guidebook, and much information is available on the UK and other websites. We encourage you to take advantage of the available information and your role as a mentor to help students transition to a successful and fulfilling college experience.
   
   As DS instructors, please also:
   
   • Send Lynn Hiler (clynnhiler@uky.edu) an electronic copy of your course proposal, course description for the brochure, a brief updated biography, your syllabus, and a current picture that you would like to include in the brochure and the website. Material for the brochure must be received by December 1.
   • Provide photographs and other materials for the DSP website (Lynn Hiler has a digital camera that can borrowed or she can come to class or special events and take pictures)
3. What is the class schedule for Discovery Seminars? Discovery Seminars adhere to the same University academic regulations as for any other courses. We begin and end the semester according to the University academic calendar, observing dead and finals weeks. That is, seminars should not begin late nor end early.
4. What is the examination policy? Discovery Seminars adhere to the same University academic regulations as for any other course. Evaluation of students is of the utmost importance, and is especially relevant to their academic success in the future. Evaluation of student performance in the course can take a variety of forms in multiple ways - examinations, papers, presentations, journals, etc. It is left up the instructor to determine the appropriate grade evaluation mechanisms and techniques for her/his seminar.
5. What is the grading policy? DS faculty are expected to grade according to University academic regulations, using a letter grading system. Discovery Seminars should be graded exactly as one would grade any other course - not less or more stringently.
6. What is the policy on service learning? A number of seminars over the past few years have had a service learning component to them. These seminars require students to work in the community or some other similar situation as part of the course, and have the expectation that this portion of the course would be included in the grading scheme for evaluation. This is plan is acceptable as long as this requirement is noted in the syllabus. Voluntary service (that is, service that is optional) may not be included in the grading scheme except for extra credit, according to University regulations.
7. What course evaluations are conducted for Discovery Seminars? It is a University requirement that all courses be evaluated. Discovery Seminars use their own special evaluation form at the end of the semester. Mid-term evaluations are very helpful for uncovering any issues or problems and for making mid-semester course adjustments, and you are encouraged to do some type of mid-semester evaluations. Lynn Hiler will distribute the evaluations forms, which should also be returned to her. Results of end-of-term evaluations are made available in January.
8. Is it okay if I lecture? Yes, if that is the appropriate pedagogical technique for the material being covered. However, faculty members are expected to consider seriously alternative pedagogical methodologies. Remember, we are dealing with first year students who have never had experience with a seminar or other forms of college-level instruction and you need to determine the most effective ways to help them master the materials.
9. Are there funds available for special activities? Yes. A fund has been set aside to be used for course-related special enhancements, and you are encouraged to submit a request for funding to augment your in-class activities. Faculty may use these funds in a variety of ways, including group lunches, field trips, data gathering, case studies, dances, lectures, local guest speakers, video tapes, books and movie screenings. If you would like to arrange for a special opportunity for your students, please submit your request by July 1. Arranging for these activities usually rests with the professor, except for transportation, food, and books, which are discussed below. Reimbursement can also be arranged by submitting receipts to Lynn Hiler. Please address any questions to Dr. Badagliacco or Ms. Hiler.
   
   Lynn Hiler, Administrative Support Staff person for the program, can arrange for:
   
   • transportation for an out of the classroom activity (usually UK vans)
   • food for your seminar, e.g. pizza
   • books or materials for the students in your course
   • copying of materials, including syllabus and handouts
   • copying of articles for students (you must adhere to University copyright policies)
10. Do the students in my seminar have to take part in a DSP showcase? Yes, each seminar is expected to take part in the DSP showcase. The DSP showcase is intended to demonstrate to the University community - students, faculty, and administration, as well as prospective students the range of the seminars as well as their high quality. The showcase is videotaped for use in admissions and recruitment. We encourage all students to participate by displaying examples of the work they have done in your seminar. Presentations may include posters, web pages, power point presentations, videotapes or other displays. Faculty members are asked to facilitate student presentations.
11. What special support mechanisms are in place for me as a DS faculty member? The DS program provides special support to faculty. A considerable amount of pedagogical support is available through the workshop materials, the monthly luncheons, and peer mentoring from the Director and other DSP faculty members.