Watch a Prezi File with a PROF Center Introduction

The PROF Center was identified as a need in 2005 by a team of administrators and faculty after attending a Building Engagement and Attainment for Minority Students (BEAMS) Conference. 

BEAMS, a five year initiative (2003-July 2008) focused on Hispanic-serving, Historically Black, and Tribal colleges and universities using the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). This initiative was supported by American Association for Higher Education, The Center for Postsecondary Education, and Lumina Foundation for Education. One -hundred four-year colleges and universities from the Alliance for Equity in Higher Education committed to increasing student success and persistence through increasing student engagement in their learning. Student engagement was and is measured through the National Survey of Student Engagement (NESSE). Findings provided the base for identifying a universities focus for implementation of actions that would improve engaged learning, persistence and success of the student. Texas A&M International University has utilized the NESSE since 2002.

The TAMIU team identified the need for a centralized teaching and learning program to enhance TAMIU's committment to BEAMS outcomes as well as to respond to faculty teaching/learning needs identified through an all faculty survey. In spring 2009 TAMIU administration made a commitment to meet this end by hiring an Interim Director for the Professional Resource Opportunities for Faculty (PROF) Center.  In fall of 2009 a full time director was hired by the university to continue the implementation of programs initiated and enhance best teaching/learning practice through applied faculty professional development opportunities. The founding document called for the PROF Center to promote excellence in teaching and learning across the disciplines at Texas A&M International. PROF Center activities include but are not limited to::

• new faculty orientation;
• faculty research and publication support;
• cultural competence enhancement;
• facilitation of best teaching practice application;
• assessment of learning and teaching;
• mentoring (student and faculty) initiatives;
• peer evaluation for teaching;
• setting standards for teaching and the evaluation of teaching; and
• support for collaborative interaction in teaching across the disciplines.

PROF Center Mission

In 2009 the PROF Center advisory committee (comprised of representatives from colleges, schools, library, and administration) identified a mission statement for the PROF Center. This mission statement of the PROF Center is:

• Foster a culture of teaching and learning excellence across TAMIU, while supporting faculty in research and instructional practices that prepare students for success in their chosen academic or professional careers in a diverse, complex, and global society.

Annual Report of Activities

You can find the PROF Center Report 2008-2009 HERE

You can find the PROF Center Report 2009‐2010 HERE

You can find the PROF Center Report 2010-2011 HERE