Faculty Mid- and Late-Career Exploration
As of this moment, tenured faculty are the largest cohort of faculty in colleges and universities, and they will remain so far into the future. It is no exaggeration to suggest that they are the lifeblood of higher education, and they represent the institutions human capital. It is therefore, somewhat ironic that the overriding focus of most faculty development programs is on new faculty.
The Center is actively involved in supporting faculty in their efforts to remain current in their teaching practice, to stay vital in their profession, and to renew their spirits.
We know faculty are the most persistent of self-directed learners. We also recognize that learning takes significant cognitive and emotional energy, and it can only benefit from support, facilitation, and community.
In January 2008, the Center initiated the first Teaching and Learning Community (TLC) for Accomplished Faculty. The ten faculty members in the TLC are meeting regularly to explore new directions for personal and professional growth, learn from each others’ experiences, and develop alternative ways of seeing where they've been and where they’re going. The Center hopes to form a second community in the fall of 2008.
Development of additional programming for mid and late-career faculty is pending as we wait for the results of the Fall 07 Faculty Focus Groups. The report is due in mid-February and we expect it will provide a sharper picture of what you want and need.
We welcome input from mid and late-career faculty, administrators, and staff on how best to serve your needs. Please contact the Director or Assistant Director with your ideas or just to let us know what you're thinking.
