Biology Department Awarded Gold in National Review
Hartwick’s Biology Department has achieved the gold level in the PULSE (Partnership for Undergraduate Life Sciences Education) recognition program. This distinguished honor, the second-highest level in the program, places the College among a select comparison group of 27 U.S. colleges and universities, signifying Hartwick’s commitment to excellence in undergraduate life sciences education and as a national leader.
PULSE, an initiative launched by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), and the National Institute for General Medical Sciences (NIGMS/NIH), provides academic departments with resources and skills that promote alignment of undergraduate life sciences programs with best educational practices. The recognition program is designed to motivate departments to implement change per a set of recommendations—Vision and Change—from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
“The gold status highlights that we have a nationally vetted high-quality science department,” says Professor of Biology Mary Allen. “It is representative of who we are and the work we are doing. The PULSE Review validates perceptions we have of our own value.”
Participation in the Recognition Program is a multi-step process that involves gathering departmental data and completing the PULSE rubrics. It also includes a site visit by PULSE Fellows, who are experienced educators and scientists, followed by feedback on departmental strengths and opportunities for improvement. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, a PULSE progression level is then assigned.
Hartwick earned a fourth-highest level in a five-tier grading system, revealing that the Biology Department has made substantial progress in implementing the principles of the AAAS recommendations and successfully achieved many of its goals and action plans. The College earned additional points from PULSE representatives who conducted an on-site visit last fall, recognizing the department for its exceptional classroom experience, unique program features, strong faculty engagement, student support, and sustainable program leadership.
"We are so fortunate at a small institution to be able to get to know our students as individuals. When you have that opportunity to really hear who they are, that sets the challenge for you. ‘How am I going to make sure that you recognize that I know you can succeed? And that you know you can succeed.’ Then we move forward and make that true."
Mary Allen
Professor of Biology
