Teaching Commons opens in beautiful new location in Lakehead University’s Library
From left, David Tamblyn, Lakehead's Chair of the Board of Governors; Elder Gerry Martin; University Librarian Karen Keiller; Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Moira McPherson; and Acting Provost Dr. David Barnett helped officially open the Teaching Commons.
April 26, 2018 – Thunder Bay, ON
Lakehead University officially opened its Teaching Commons by gathering with staff and faculty in the beautiful new location in the Chancellor Paterson Library on Thursday, April 26.
Located on the fifth floor of the Library, the Teaching Commons is a dedicated space for staff and faculty to come together to enhance teaching excellence across the University.
It now includes private offices for the Coordinator of Instructional Development, Indigenous Curriculum Specialist, and the Coordinator of Learning Technologies and Innovation.
“This allows staff to offer private and extended consultations with instructors who require our assistance without disturbing those around them,” said Karen Keiller, Vice-Provost and University Librarian.
“It also increases the likelihood of instructors seeking our help on confidential matters.”
The new location also offers access to librarians for quick consultations on matters related to copyright, resources, and other topics.
“Whereas before we had to walk to another building or to another section of the building to connect instructors and librarians, now we can simply walk across the room and the necessary connections are made,” Keiller said.
The Teaching Commons now also includes communal open spaces for casual faculty interaction. Tools are also available for graduate students, such searchable pedagogical and professional resources including the 20-Minute Mentor – video-based programs designed to answer a specific question related to teaching and learning.
The Teaching and Learning in Higher Education certificate is also offered through the Teaching Commons to help graduate students develop professional, pedagogical knowledge and practices for those who choose to participate.
“Since the Teaching Commons opened in 2017, it has helped more than 100 faculty members and I’m thrilled that even more faculty will receive assistance in this exceptional space in the Chancellor Paterson Library,” said Dr. Moira McPherson, Lakehead’s Interim President and Vice-Chancellor.
The Teaching Commons also engages with Lakehead Orillia to provide hands-on support, training, and workshops.
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Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Communications and Marketing Associate, at (807) 343-8177 or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.
Lakehead University has approximately 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff in 10 faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies. Maclean’s 2018 University Rankings place Lakehead University among Canada's Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities, as well as first in Total Research Dollars, second for Citations, and third for Scholarships and Bursaries. In 2017, Research Infosource named Lakehead Research University of the Year in its category for the third consecutive year. Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.
