Professional Staff Seminars
“The Idea of the University”

Comments from staff participants:

“Dr. Gregory did a great job leading the discussions. . . . I feel I gained some beneficial insight on the importance of liberal arts. I had always considered it just another major. . . . Ideas that will stick with me: 1) the true definition and resulting benefits of a liberal arts education; 2) even though I am not a faculty member, I am still in a “teaching” role at Butler. . . . Of all the material presented, the history of the university will probably remain with me the longest.. . . . I think it is valuable for all staff members to understand the mission of the university to this depth and their important role as educators within the system.”

“I appreciated the opportunity this seminar provided to inform myself about the history of the university and how the facets of liberal arts, professional technical skills education and research were emphasized, downplayed and/or integrated in the evolution. . . . Thanks for facilitating these exchanges. Your insights and contributions in organizing and participating in the sessions have been extremely helpful in advancing stimulating thought and reflection on what we are about here at Butler.”

“I loved my time in this course! I had no idea what to expect. . . . The course was very reflective and enlightening. Since I am new to the academic world, it was great to learn the history and background on the liberal arts vs. professional education. . . . Your depth of knowledge of the topic made this a very rich experience I particularly enjoyed the “history lesson” on the origins of [the] liberal arts.”

“I really enjoyed the seminar, the content, leader and peer discussion. Coming from a non-education background, it helped put a lot of things in place.”

“I liked all the readings. Very insightful. . . . Thank you for this opportunity.”

“This seminar was only partly what I expected, but in this sense it added more because it encompassed so much more than what I expected. I enjoyed it and found it enlightening in many ways.”

“Very much enjoyed Marshall Gregory’s perspective, thoughtful sharing of and response to our ideas. I appreciated his articulate and creative leadership.”

“The facilitator set a tone for the seminar that was friendly, collaborative, and inquiring.”

Answers to the question “The most significant idea I have come away with is . . .”

• “Liberal Arts are an integral part of education, regardless of major or profession.”
• “Clarification of the benefits of a liberal education in the overall development of a young student.”
• “The value of our mission and the importance of developing these skills and abilities.”
• “We all participate in the education of students and help set the ‘feel’ of our particular institution.”
• “The history and foundation of Liberal Arts.”
• “That we are here to teach students to be contributing human beings.”
• “The retail model illustration of the university and the evolution of that model.”
• “The traditions in which faculty and staff are steeped.”
• “The concept of wholeness and liberal, ethical responsibility.”
• “How all [university] employees can assist in student learning in a liberal arts environment.”
• “The importance of critical thinking.”
• “The need to educate high school guidance counselors about higher education.”
• “Education is open communication between faculty and students.”
• “Not all learning takes place at the time that ‘facts’ are learned.”
• “There are risks involved in learning.”
• “Things won’t change as long as faculty, staff, and administration don’t communicate.”

“Left me wanting more. Well done! It definitely provided a welcome break from the daily “to do” list—although my brain hurts. I can’t stop thinking about how I will incorporate this into what I’m doing on a daily basis. Thank you!”

© 2005 Copyright Marshall Gregory