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Apple Tree Society appeals to YES Campaign by Chris West Public Relations The Apple Tree Society promotes the scholarship of teaching to its very core. But funding is necessary to enjoy the fruits of their labors and after all, money doesn't grow on trees. Appealing to the YES Campaign, the Apple Tree Society is fostering ideas, strategies and opportunities that will improve the development of scientists and clinicians into better educators. Offering up a myriad of programs, seminars and lectures aimed at teaching teachers to teach, the society isn't only for the faculty, but made up of faculty as well. Its multidisciplinary makeup branches its scholarship-promoting mission statement to all colleges of MUSC. “This is a move to begin to think outside the box,” said Amy Blue, Ph.D., assistant dean for curriculum evaluation in the College of Medicine. “With more independence we could further branch into maybe funding research based around the field of education and the scholarship of teaching.” Other potential ideas include increased internal funding for speakers and lecturers, potential scholarships and awards, small research grants to faculty and in promoting and raising awareness of the society to other faculty. “The administration has been extremely supportive of our project and mission,” said William Stillway, Ph.D. “And we have matured to a point where we can be more self-supportive financially. This prompted us to seek outside funding that already exists and to put that money to use for the same people the society exists for, the university.” Is promoting education on our campus important? Yes. Is creating and endorsing educational improvement opportunities among our faculty important? Yes. Is the Apple Tree Society ready to best use your gift? (insert correct answer here). Apple Tree Society Brown Bag slated for April 24 The next Apple Tree Society Brown Bag will be: “Who let the dogs (CATs) out?” Presented by Jennie Ariail, Elizabeth Ricciardone and Holly Wise, from noon to 1 p.m., April 24, in room 405 of the Library/Administration Building. Admission is free and open to all. On June 1 and 2 at The Citadel, the Medical University will participate in the first Charleston Connections: Innovations in Higher Education Conference.  Collaborating with The Citadel, the College of Charleston, Charleston Southern University and Trident Technical College, the conference will address topics such as teaching innovations, uses of technology in teaching, classroom research and evaluation and assessment strategies.  Plenary speakers will include Dr. Barbara Millis, director of faculty development at the United States Air Force Academy and Dr. William Leonard, professor of science development and coordinator of secondary education programs, Clemson University.  The conference is open to administrators, faculty, staff and graduate students For more information on the Apple Tree Society, check out its Web site at <http://www2.edserv.musc.edu/appletree/>.