The Visions of Excellence program was designed to bring new faculty together in a cohort experience. New faculty members represent about one-third of the faculty at DCCCD colleges. When these faculty members come together for 3-day retreats and for the 4th Friday sessions, they are a positive force.

The cohort experience allows new faculty to share ideas across campuses and to discuss issues and concerns with others who are new to the full-time experience in the DCCCD. New faculty members who complete the entire Visions of Excellence program have participated in 48 hours of learning with other new DCCCD faculty. Click this link to view the list of VOE Completers, those faculty members who have completed all sessions of the Visions of Excellence program.

The three-day retreat is held at local retreat facility. Most retreats begin on Sunday in the late afternoon and conclude on Wednesday around 3:00 P.M. Each retreat hosts 25-35 new faculty for an opening session with DCCCD leadership about the future and values of the Dallas County community college district. Monday through Wednesday sessions address topics such as creating a positive classroom environment, diversity, developing curriculum, accessing learning and teaching and learning strategies.

Since 2006, retreats have been held at Briarwood Retreat Center in Argyle, TX.