Is PFF a huge time commitment?
Although the workload for PFF is greater than some other 1-credit courses for which PFF students register, most students do not find the demands that PFF places on their time to be unreasonable. While the requirements and activities of the program may seem like a lot, they are distributed throughout the year and most do not require an extensive amount of time. Required PFF seminars take place about once or twice per month, and students may sign up for the remaining workshops (offered by PFF and other departments/organizations on campus, such as the Center for Learning and Teaching Excellence) and reading groups at their convenience throughout the year.
Further, many of the activities simply provide a more focused context in which students may acquire the skills, knowledge, and resources any graduate student would need to succeed in the job search (and, ultimately, as a future faculty member).
Does PFF make a difference?
PFF alumni and alumnae regularly report that participation in PFF provided them with an edge in applying for and securing academic positions, succeeding in their first years as faculty members, understanding the culture of higher education, and serving as better mentors to their students.
What can I do to make myself more likely to be accepted into the PFF program? What credentials does the PFF selection committee look for in a successful candidate?
To be a successful candidate you must be in your second year of your academic program, have a GPA greater than or equal to 3.0, have a well written statement of purpose and have a good letter of recommendation from your advisor. It is strongly encouraged that you read through the PFF website so that you understand the purpose of the PFF program and form your statement of purpose around these goals. It is also advised that you speak to your advisor well in advance of the application process so that he or she can have time to write their letter of recommendation based on their understanding of how you would benefit from the PFF program.
Why do I have to wait until I am in my 2nd year to join the PFF program?
The first year of graduate school can be a difficult adjustment period for incoming students. The PFF program does is not intended to add to the work-load of graduate students in any phase of their career, however adding the requirements of the PFF program onto the new 1st year requirements of a graduate student would be ill-advised. Furthermore, after the first year of graduate school students should have a better understanding of their own personal career goals and how a career in academics fits into those goals.
What is a terminal degree?
A terminal degree is the highest degree awarded in a specific discipline. The most widely known terminal degree is that of PhD. However, some disciplines have terminal degrees which are not PhD degrees. For instance a MFA (Masters of Fine Arts) is a terminal degree as is a Law degree.
What other terminal degrees students, besides those working toward a PhD, do you allow into the PFF program?
In addition to PhD students, we also allow MFA students into the program. PFF program goals are designed to aid students in terminal degree programs attain tenure track faculty positions at highly sought after institutions.
Why are masters students not allowed to participate in the PFF program?
The program goals of the PFF program are designed to aid students to attain highly sought after academic positions which are tenure track and require a terminal degree in their field.
Are there any financial incentives for joining the PFF program?
Students who successfully complete the first year Exploratory Phase of the program and are accepted to the second year Participatory Phase of the program are eligible to receive a small amount of money that can be used toward travel expenses related to PFF activities. In addition, after the first year students can apply for the Faculty Emeriti Fellowship which includes a minimal monetary award.
Will my participation in the PFF program count towards my degree? Can it be used for credit in my program of study?
This depends on your academic unit. The best place to start is to ask your program advisor and graduate program coordinator if the PFF seminars can count as credit towards your program of study.
Will PFF help me be a better teacher? Is the PFF program only about effective teaching?
Although teaching is covered in the PFF 1st Year seminar series is it a small part of the PFF agenda. There are many professional development opportunities at ASU which are designed to help graduate students become better teachers. Therefore this is not the focus of the PFF program. The focus of the PFF program is that of research, teaching, scholarship, creative activity and service and how this all fits into the life of an academic.
I'm in the final year of my graduate program. Is it too late for me to participate in PFF?
NO! Many PFF students have participated only in the first year of the PFF program and gained information that they needed to aid them in the academic job search.
Does PFF cater to the specific needs of international students looking to obtain faculty positions in the US?
No it does not cater to the specific needs of international students however it does provide resources for international students.