Jack, Jordynn

UNC Service

I have served as Director of the Writing Program in the Department of English and Comparative Literature from 2014-2016 and 2018-2020. As director I trained new teaching assistants, provided professional development workshops, developed curricular materials, observed classes, and oversaw placement, enrollment, staffing, and scheduling. My prior service to the university includes serving on the Administrative Board, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), from 2010-2013; as a member of the Curriculum Committee, CAS, 2010-2013, and on the Faculty Grievance Committee, 2008-2011.

Candidate Statement

My experience with curricular development and assessment relates to my former role as Writing Program Director in the Department of English and Comparative Literature. This program staffs over 200 sections of English 105, Writing in the Research University, each year. As Director, I supported instructors in implementing curricular changes at several key junctures. In terms of assessment and curricular development, input from students, instructors, and staff should be central. The General Education Oversight Committee should balance insights from each. Sometimes, what works for students does not work for instructors, or what works for instructors places an unreasonable burden on staff. Assessment should produce meaningful results through portfolio assessment, focus groups, and other innovative methods rather than standardized approaches.