Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
A Special Interest Group (SIG) brings together members who share a common interest in networking, exchange ideas, and explore specific topics in greater depth. The goal is to enhance curriculum and instruction within members’ home programs. Any recommendations or initiatives related to curricular, instructional, policy, or advising changes that arise from SIG discussions should be brought back to the member’s home department for formal review and consideration (e.g., in consultation with the DLP, DUS, Chair, course coordinator, or other appropriate departmental leadership).
SIGs do not have an administrative role. They must consult with the appropriate unit (program, department, and/or LRC) before planning or implementing any initiatives beyond instructional matters that may affect courses or programs.
Where SIGs are housed
The Council on Language Instruction (CLI) and the Language Resource Center (LRC) house all SIGs, and each SIG profile will be published on the CLI website.
SIGs and Sub-Committees
SIGs welcome all language faculty, regardless of their involvement in the CLI. They operate as voluntary, informal groups organized around shared professional interests, submit one annual report to the CLI, and receive a portion of allocated funding. In contrast, subcommittees are formally appointed working groups with defined membership, reporting obligations, and a specific mandate; they report directly to the parent committee and may influence decisions, policies, or official actions.
Funding
The CLI and the LRC will co-fund SIG activities (e.g., guest speaker honoraria, refreshments). Members’ professional development activities, including conference travel, are funded by their home departments and the College rather than by the CLI or LRC.
Budgets will be allocated based on confirmed membership, activities, and the number of participants. The LRC’s Program Assistant will manage financial transactions and reimburse expenses in accordance with the University’s entertainment policies (i.e., funds are not transferred to the faculty member’s home department, unlike event support funds). The LRC’s funds will not roll over.
Responsibilities
- Any work related to the SIG, excluding financial transactions, will be handled by SIG members. This includes, but may not be limited to, event planning and organizing, room reservations, set up and clean up, event flyers and promotion, catering/delivery arrangements, etc.
- SIGs are expected to report their annual activities at the business meeting of the CLI every spring quarter and must ensure that the information posted on the CLI website is up to date. The SIG will communicate regularly via email with the CLI and SIG members.
How to propose a new SIG
Proposals (see sample below) require CLI submission and approval.
Sample New SIG Proposal (MSWord)
Annual activity review
The chair or a board member of the SIG will provide a report to the business meeting of the CLI in the spring. SIGs are automatically dissolved if they are inactive for three years (no reports, meetings, events, workshops, listserv updates), and they can be dissolved if no new leaders can be identified, if the purpose of the SIG is no longer deemed pertinent, or if the leadership of the SIG decides that the SIG is no longer necessary or viable.
References:
AATJ Special Interest Groups