Priming the pump: transforming the structure of a department

[...]an inherently unstable and somewhat marginalized instructional workforce is charged with the heavy responsibility of being the first point of contact with students - who are frequently underprepared - as they adapt to college expectations in courses where they are generally reluctant participants. [...]student success has increased markedly, and there is now much greater attention paid to excellence of instruction at all levels, including enhanced support for developing good and effective teaching by graduate students.