Skip to main content

Meet Our Faculty: Wijitha Bandara


Wijitha Bandara


Assitant Professor
Humanities and Social Sciences  
Humanities, Languages and Culture

What he teaches:
Introduction to World Religions, Introduction to Buddhism, Introduction to Asian Religions, Cultures and Philosophies 

Number of years teaching at SLCC:
4 years

Undergraduate:
University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

Master’s:
University of Virginia

Doctorate:
University of Virginia


Why working at SLCC matters:
Unlike other institutions where I’ve taught, SLCC’s student body is characterized by its diversity of background and remarkably maturity—characteristics that demand teaching that is interactive and focused on student needs.  Many of my students have experienced struggles firsthand, yet they strive to move forward personally and professionally by achieving success in their studies.  In class discussions at SLCC are particularly rich because of the contributions and insights expressed by students from all over Utah, and all over the world.

Greatest professional challenge:
Since students’ skills at SLCC are also extremely diverse, it can be a challenge to ensure that each student is working at a high level of proficiency, yet it is possible.  Working individually with motivated students throughout the semester not only improves my teaching but also improves student learning and performance.  

Greatest professional accomplishment:
I’ve always wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember.  Teaching in an institution of higher education where my discipline and teaching skills are needed and valued is my greatest professional accomplishment.




Advice for students or others:
Whatever your goals, they are not beyond your grasp.  The more you focus on reaching those goals, the closer you will get to achieving them-- do not give up!

Future plans:
To become a better teacher and mentor to my students and colleagues, and to continue collaborating with colleagues throughout Utah to expand learning opportunities for SLCC students. 

Family:
I am blessed by my loving family--my wife Laura and our son Kavi, a middle schooler. I enjoy being with them every day, and really enjoy travelling together. A recent trip to Sri Lanka to see family and friends was a real gift, and we are hoping to go to Europe next.

Hobbies:
I love playing pickleball with my neighborhood league, cross-country skiing, and growing vegetables in my garden.




Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Rev Up Your Future at SLCC Annuals Hop into College

SLCC West Valley Center will be opening its doors on Friday, August 2, from 6-9 pm for their annual lowrider event that celebrates the automotive culture and welcomes current, past, and future Bruins into the SLCC community. This unique event allows lowriders to showcase their vehicles and for spectators to witness the creativity, craftsmanship, and passion that goes into a lowrider car. From the sleek custom paint jobs to the impressive hydraulics showcased at the hop-off, attendees get immersed in the vibrant culture created by SLCC West Valley’s community. Beyond the car show, Hop into College provides prospective students and their families the opportunity to explore SLCC, engage with their future peers, staff and faculty and obtain valuable insight into the degrees and programs offered. Furthermore, the community is provided with countless beneficial resources not only as an SLCC student but as a community member. Whether interested in learning more about the lowrider community o...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Center for Prior Learning Receives an Honorable Mention

Today, SLCC's Credit for Prior Learning department received an Honorable Mention from the  Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL ) and the  Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education  for its intentional approach and for expanding student options to receive credit for prior learning.  Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)  allows students to obtain college credit for knowledge and skills acquired outside of the traditional academic environment. This is exceptionally beneficial for adult learners, who, according to CAEL, have a 17% higher chance of graduating compared to those adults who don’t earn credits through prior learning programs. The CPL department at SLCC was created in 2020 and since then the volume of students served has grown as the department continues to expand. To be eligible for CPL, students must be working towards a degree, certificate, or apprenticeship. Director of Credit for Prior Learning at SLCC, Andrea Tipton, mentioned fee...
Post a Comment
Read more

Board of Higher Ed names Gregory F. Peterson 9th SLCC President

The Utah Board of Higher Education unanimously selected Gregory F. Peterson, Ed.D., as the ninth president of Salt Lake Community College today, following an extensive national search. Peterson will assume the position on July 1, 2024, and succeeds Deneece G. Huftalin, who served as president from 2014-2024.   “I’m humbled by the opportunity to serve as Salt Lake Community College’s next president, and I look forward to reinforcing SLCC’s commitment to providing educational pathways for transfer and workforce that improve the lives of every member of our community,” Peterson said. “SLCC has an amazing future ahead, and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of that journey.”   As part of its delegated duties and responsibilities, the SLCC Board of Trustees named an  11-member committee  in December 2023 to conduct a national search for the next president of SLCC. The committee is composed of representatives from the Utah Board of Higher Education and SLCC trustees, facul...
Post a Comment
Read more