Faculty Excellence at UMUC

Interviewer:

Please tell us about yourself—what made you decide to teach at UMUC? What kind of work do you do when you are not teaching at UMUC? Are there any life experiences that have influenced your teaching at UMUC? If so, please share one story.

Alvin Officer:

I am a retired Army Officer with two children, ride a Harley, and currently working for a Federal Agency in Washington, DC. A colleague recommended I contact UMUC for a teaching assignment over 10 years ago, and this is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. "UMUC Family."

I am currently a Program Manager with a Federal Agency in Washington, DC. I have responsibilities for Global Leadership training activities. I also serve as an Adjunct at one other local University. I mediate in the Courts in DC and Maryland.

There are too many stories to mention. My relatives when I was growing up instilled the desire to learn, in college my Industrial Arts professors challenged me, the Army demanded continuous learning and outstanding performance, and today's climate encourages innovation, creativity and attention to our learners needs. It makes my day when I see participants grow and achieve new heights. This is a global community and I am proud to be a contributing UMUC faculty member.

Interviewer:

How would you describe your teaching style or philosophy? What experiences or person(s) have influenced your style or philosophy?

Alvin Officer:

My style is intentionally student-centered with high expectations for participation. I ask participants to take responsibility for their own learning. My job/task is to create a learning environment in which those participants who wish to succeed can do so. The next task is to motivate those who are not making progress.

Carl Rogers, Viktor Frankl, David Kolb, and Horace Mann have all influenced me. Mentors, previous participants, and of course family members have also influenced me.

Interviewer:

Please explain if you do something special or unique in your teaching and what made you develop this.

Alvin Officer:

Listen, communicate, and pay attention to how adults learn and have fun while serving as a learning guide. Respect participants, and they will respect you.

Interviewer:

What do you think it is about your teaching style that appeals to students?

Alvin Officer:

Use fair, consistent, and student-centered activities. The course material must be current and relevant to the needs of the participants. Encourage them to move to the next level.  Use "state of the art" techniques and encourage them use these techniques in the workplace. Class is a time for growth, development and experimentation. Use it wisely and make everything count towards your goals.

Interviewer:

Do you teach face-to-face, online, or both? Do you have a preference between teaching face-to-face and online? If so, please explain.

Alvin Officer:

I teach both face-to-face and online. UMUC encourages both modalities, and I am comfortable with each assignment. Life is a learning journey and each new class represents another chance for me and the participants to excel.

Interviewer:

Please tell us about your chosen discipline-i.e., what made you interested in the area initially? What do you do to stay current in your discipline? What do you like best about teaching in your discipline?

Alvin Officer:

My disciplines include Communications, Leadership, Conflict Resolution and Diversity. If we can manage these areas we will be successful. I like people and like to see them succeed with minimal problems.

Professional associations membership ASTD, OD Network, Training Officer's Conference, attending lectures/conferences, listening, reading, and continuous practice with other professionals keep me current.

Working with people and experiencing positive change and growth in our society is important to me.

Interviewer:

What is the most challenging to you in teaching in this area? What teaching strategy do you use when you encounter the challenge? Are there any special challenges in teaching this subject matter online?  If yes, please explain what could be done to meet the challenges.

Alvin Officer:

Lack of student growth is challenging to me. I use positive methods to encourage change, and if this fails then I take the appropriate action.

Yes, there are some challenges to teaching online, but one must overcome the challenges to provide a positive learning experience. Online education is the next frontier.

Interviewer:

What suggestion would you give to students who are interested in majoring or working in your discipline?

Alvin Officer:

I would tell students to read, practice, study, and interact. Practice and keep everything in perspective.

Interviewer:

In your opinion, what makes UMUC the college of choice for students?

Alvin Officer:

It is a top rated academic institution and the military just presented an award to UMUC for being "military friendly." The administration, staff, and instructors care. UMUC focuses on the adult learner, and most of the faculty members are practicing professionals.

Interviewer:

In your opinion, what makes UMUC the employer of choice for future faculty members?

Alvin Officer:

There are lots of opportunities. UMUC is credentialed worldwide, and there is fair treatment. The sky is the limit for creativity and growth.

Interviewer:

What suggestion would you give to new faculty who are interested in teaching in your discipline at UMUC?

Alvin Officer:

Find a faculty mentor and learn the ropes. Teach on-line and face-to-face. Attend faculty meetings; get to know the president, UMUC staff, your Department Chair, and peers. Give me a call.