General Biology (Bio142) Lecture & Lab. Obtaining exam copies of recommended books. Requesting successful lab materials from peers. Weekly meetings to discuss books, labs and the process of transformation to concepts, competencies, and student-centered learning. Curriculum and Degree discussions Assessment of our current status for gaps in Vision & Change recommendations. New course discussions.  Reevaluation of our Student Research program.  Assessment of our curriculum and degree structure with Vision & Change as our guide.  Planning for a new science building & integrating that process with our transformation. Conversations at the 2014 NW-PULSE workshop provided us suggestions for lecture texts (paper & e-texts). Our PULSE mentor and local (UPS) colleague supplied us with original lab materials they had developed. Use of flexible lab manual publication allowing us to choose activities. Vision & Change report used as a guide for transformation criteria. PRODUCTS ACTIONS BARRIERS & CHALLENGES STRENGTHS & LEVERAGE SUSTAINABILITY RESOURCES & ALLIES NW Biology instructors Conference 2015 Weekly meetings, setting attainable weekly goals, & individual tasks. As we tackle the more complex aspects of transformation at the curriculum and degree-structure level, we will utilize the resources available at NW- PULSE to better assess our current situation and look for critical areas needing reform. Our greatest strength: All the FT faculty in the program attended the PULSE workshop and everyone committed to making the transformation. One of our faculty is also the Associate Dean for the College of Arts & Sciences. Two of our faculty (of five) are newly hired. VISION – An intentional biology degree program that aligns with the Vision & Change recommendations, providing students an engaging, research-oriented curriculum that is a distinctively Saint Martin’s experience. Robert Bode, Aaron Coby, Sam Fox, Mary Jo Hartman, & Margaret Olney All-in! Biology Program Transformation Saint Martin’s University GOAL– Our first-year goal was a re-evaluation and adjustment of our General Biology lecture and lab experience. New text chosen. Biology : How Life Works by J Morris et al. Development of hybrid lab manual drawing from publisher, original, and borrowed materials. Outline for our next steps in transformation process. Identification of possible new courses to include in program curriculum. This work was supported in part by an NSF RCN UBE award # Vision & Change Four areas of focus for transformation 1.Integrate Core Concepts and Competencies throughout the Curriculum 2.Focus on Student-Centered Learning 3.Promote a Campus wide Commitment to Change 4.Engage the Biology Community in the Implementation of Change FUTURE GOALS Finding a text that adequately addressed both content and the conceptual approach. Different perspectives among faculty on most important aspects in a text. No single lab manual with perfect balance of content, guidance and student-led activities. UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES? Grappling with understanding individual preference, program goals, & student needs. Differences of opinion led us to use a consensus approach for selection of new text on a one-year trial period. Weekly program meetings allowing us to discuss both transformation and other topics. Material for our yearly program assessment report!