exploratory phase (PFF year one)

The overarching theme of the Exploratory Phase (First Year) is to provide you with a basic understanding of expectations during the application process and your first years as a faculty member. Through the seminars and assignments, you will begin to explore what is required of new faculty at different types of institutions. This will help identify the key differences among institutions and begin the process of determining what type of institution is most in line with your strengths and interests.

seminars

There are six seminars in the fall semester and five in the spring. Attendance at all seminars is required. The seminars are from 2:00pm-5:00pm on selected Fridays. Topics include:

• Structure and Organization of the Academy
• Scholarship, Research, and Creative Activity
• The Teaching Role
• New Faculty Perspectives on the First Year
• Grant Writing
• Negotiating a Job Offer
• Video Visit with Faculty from Other Universities
• Search Committee Perspectives on the Hiring Process
• Work/Life Balance
• Promotion and Tenure

interactive discussions

Interactive Discussions allow you to discuss seminars and other key topics in greater detail in small groups. The discussions are facilitated by Participatory Phase (Second Year) students who use current literature to inform the discussions. Topics include:

• Moving Out of the Shadow of Your Advisor
• Faculty Career Paths
• Today’s College Student
• Teaching Students Who Are Different from You
• Balancing Life
• Working in an Interdisciplinary Environment
• Time/Energy Management
• Technology and New Media
• Strategies for Writing Productivity
• Artistic/Intellectual Freedom
• Dealing with Disruptive Students

visiting scholar series

Students invite faculty from other campuses to participate in small informal discussion groups describing what it is like to be a faculty member at their institution. Groups are divided by discipline and coordinate all aspects of the visit.

institution evaluation

To become more aware of the differences between types of institutions, students are asked to find CVs of recent hires and job postings from institutions of different classifications based on the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education™. Students then write a short self-reflection paper outlining the findings and identifying areas that need to be enhanced in order to secure a position at each institution type.

cv preparation

Students attend a workshop on preparing a curriculum vitae (CV) then create/edit the CV, seek feedback from two faculty mentors, and revise to reflect recommended changes.

professional development

Students also complete professional development workshops throughout the year to better prepare for the job search or to improve in an area that will make them a better faculty member.

syllabus

Check out the  syllabus for more information about the Exploratory Phase.