preparing future faculty (PFF)

Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) is a nationally recognized professional development program for doctoral and MFA students, as well as postdocs, interested in pursuing a faculty position upon graduation or completion. Through this program, students learn the many roles of faculty members (research/scholarship, teaching, service) and are given an insider’s perspective by distinguished faculty and administrators at ASU and other institutions. An overview and comparison of how faculty roles differ by institution type (large public research, small private religious, etc.) is also provided. The Preparing Future Faculty program is comprised of two one-year (fall and spring) two-credit courses (one credit per semester). The second year is optional, but highly encouraged.

Admission to PFF is competitive and requires the approval of the student's advisor (supervisor for postdocs) and the completion of one year (by the start of the fall semester) of the Doctorate or MFA program. The selection and admission process for the Preparing Future Faculty program occurs during the spring semester for the following fall semester. To learn more about PFF and how to apply, join us at the annual PFF Information Session on Thursday, January 26, 2012, view the Frequently Asked Questions, or email us.

year one: exploratory phase

During the Exploratory Phase (First Year) students are introduced to the breadth of higher education institutions and the many roles of faculty through seminars, virtual campus visits, and professional development activities.

year two: participatory phase

The Participatory Phase (Second Year) is self driven and allows students to explore more deeply the roles of faculty within institutions of higher education and begin the process of preparing to become future faculty members. Successful completion of the Exploratory Phase is a prerequisite. Successful completion of the Exploratory Phase is a prerequisite.

postdoc experience

In response to growing demand and an identified need, the PFF program is now open to those completing a postdoc at ASU. The PFF postdoc experience is a one-year alternative that combines the self-development aspects of the Participatory Phase with some of the overview sessions from the Exploratory Phase to provide a robust PFF experience for postdocs.