Documentation
Directed Individual Studies (DIS) as well as undergraduate and graduate research provide powerful evidence of teaching effectiveness because they highlight a faculty member’s ability to mentor students through personalized, high-impact learning experiences. These individualized experiences require intensive instructional design, close supervision, targeted feedback, and/or sustained intellectual engagement, all of which showcase advanced teaching skill and deep disciplinary expertise. They also demonstrate a faculty member’s commitment to supporting student initiative, independent inquiry, and professional or scholarly development, often culminating in tangible products such as research papers, creative works, conference presentations, graduate school preparation, graduate degrees, and publications. When documented in a teaching dossier, DIS illustrate excellence in mentorship, adaptability in instruction, and meaningful student-centered teaching that extends well beyond the traditional classroom.
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Create a dedicated section on your CV. List each DIS, student thesis, dissertation, etc. clearly and consistently.
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Include the syllabus and course calendar used or other evidence of academic rigor when referring to a DIS.
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Describe how you led the student experience: How did you determine what the student should read? What did the student do? How often did you meet? What were your expectations?
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Highlight student outcomes.
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Show evidence of impact: Student feedback and/or reflections, acceptance letters, and awards.
*Need guidance from Kelly on what she wants here.