Reading Room

Greater Expectations: A New Vision for Learning as a Nation Goes to College
“Released in October 2002…The report recommends the creation of a New Academy characterized by high expectations, a focus on learning, commitment to demonstrated achievement, intentional practices, and an engaged, practical liberal education for all students.”

How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School
Published by the National Academy of Sciences, this e-book provides a broad-based, research-oriented introduction to cognition in teaching and learning.

Educating the Net Generation
“The Net Generation has grown up with information technology. The aptitudes, attitudes, expectations, and learning styles of Net Gen students reflect the environment in which they were raised—one that is decidedly different from that which existed when faculty and administrators were growing up…This [e-book] explores the Net Gen and the implications for institutions in areas such as teaching, service, learning space design, faculty development, and curriculum.”

2006 University of Kentucky Handbook for Undergraduate Education (pdf)
“This booklet provides faculty with resources regarding undergraduates, particularly new or first-year students, and gives research-based suggestions for enhancing student learning and the classroom experience.”
An extensive list of useful campus websites and contact information is included.

Student Life at UK
“The Office of Institutional Research conducts and coordinates a range of surveys to assess various aspects of student life at UK. This section features results from selected surveys that gauge the expectations, experiences, and concerns of students and alumni.”

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges
“[This] site provides practical information for understanding the process used to accredit institutions throughout the 11 southern states and Latin America, that grant associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees…When an institution has earned accreditation by the Commission on Colleges, it signifies that it has a purpose appropriate to higher education and has resources, programs, and services sufficient to accomplish and sustain that purpose.”