Brian Connery’s service to students and to his colleagues across the university is exemplary. Connery has taught Irish literature as a special topics 300-level course. In addition to the work of preparing a new course, Connery twice took students from that class to Ireland (14 in winter 2006 and eight in winter 2007). In 2006, Connery assumed the directorship of the Oxford Studies Program, a premiere study abroad opportunity and venue for students. In 2006, nine students took advantage of this opportunity, and in 2007, 17 students attended. In addition to teaching one of the courses in the program, Connery proposed two 200-level courses for general education credit, which was approved. This year, he began another term on the University Senate. He also serves on the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Assembly. Within the department, he chairs the Publications Committee which oversees production of the student handbook, the Web site, and the alumni newsletter, "The English Channel," which was initiated by Connery in 1998 during his first term as chair of the department.