Mission: The Fund grants for teachers at two- and four-year colleges or universities that do not have any advanced degree programs in the chemical sciences.
Vision: To provide support for faculty in small programs and who are somewhat isolated from others in their discipline. Eligible activities include professional development activities such as workshops related to enhancement of teaching skills that take the applicant away from his/her home institution. The professional development activities cannot be virtual. Due dates: January 1; April 1; September 1 of each year.
Future Plans from last report and accomplishments on these plans:
- Update webpage and operational manual:
- Investigate original Passer Award language to make sure that we are meeting original intent of award, this was investigated and we need to continue with limited scope of funding
- Connect with professional organizations that offer faculty development workshops for 2-yr and 4-yr faculty to help advertise award: presented at BCCE (see abstract below), added to funding options on POGIL website (https://pogil.org/2024-25-public-workshops), the 2YC3 newsletter, and shared in Fall 2024 Div CHEM Ed newsletter. Email communication with Wolfram Universtiy Program, MoleCVUE, venierto help promote this award as possible funding options for their future workshops.
- Comittee Award Meeting(s): committee me virtually September 6 to reveiw application for award. The one award we received requested funding over and above the funding limits ($3795) which required Treasurer approval. After committee discussion and conversations with Treasurer Rick Moog and the applicant, an award of $2660 was given to Kyle Knust.
BCCE Presentation: Passer Award Committee keeps alive the vision of Dorothy and Moses Passer
Authors
1. Daniel Albert - Millersville University
2. Niina Ronkainen - Benedictine University
Abstract
The Passer Fund for education grants was established in 1993 by a generous donation of Dorothy and Moses Passer. Moses Passer was instrumental in developing novel educational activities, projects, and programs provided by American Chemical Society Division of Chemical Education during his over twenty-year leadership. The Passer Fund now supports professional development activities for full-time faculty such as workshops related to enhancement of teaching skills outside of his/her home institution. Usually, the applicants are faculty members in small programs who teach chemistry or chemical technology, who may be somewhat isolated from others in their discipline. The grants support participation in continuing education courses in subject matter directly related to teaching. The committee members, appointed by the Division of Chemical Education, review Passer award applications three times a year, make funding decisions, and notify the applicants of the outcome of the application. The presentation will describe the charge, vision, and operation of the Passer Award committee, as well as timeline, application requirements, and disbursement of funds awarded.
- Continue to work on advertising options to reach target award audience
- Continue discussions about more central awards committee if the division would like to move on this as an action item
- Organize committee award meetings as needed to review applications
I am assuming this does not include funding for an award