Faculty Research and Development

The Office of Faculty Research and Development assists faculty in numerous ways. We provide workshops, facilitate travel funds, organize new faculty orientation, arrange faculty days, coordinate the faculty fellowship program, mentor new faculty, and offer assistance to faculty and administrators in locating and processing government grants.

We offer approximately a dozen workshops during the academic year on pedagogy and scholarly activity. Past topics have included Assessment, Infusing Mission and Identity, FERPA, Interdisciplinary Teaching, Student Perspectives and Who Are Our Students, Grant Writing, Renewal, Promotion and Tenure, and Submitting a Successful Fellowship Application.

The Office of Faculty Research and Development in conjunction with the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs conducts a two-day orientation program for all new full-time faculty and academic administrators in August to familiarize new community members with academic policies, procedures and resources. Moreover, faculty are informed of the ways in which the institution supports excellence in teaching and scholarship. Orientation includes a year-long mentoring component.

Faculty members who are seeking any of the faculty development awards are strongly urged to review the guidelines and instructions. These guidelines were developed to assist faculty members in writing successful proposals. In addition, faculty are urged to consult the University Academic Handbook (Chapter VII, section E) for descriptions and regulations regarding Faculty Development Awards. Any questions regarding guidelines and instructions should be directed to Rebecca Conley, the Director of Faculty Research and Development.

At the beginning of the Fall and Spring Semesters, we coordinate a morning-long Faculty Development Days. After announcements from administrators, there are usually one or two speakers and workshops.

Instructional Design Services offers a variety of services to faculty, including: one-on-one consultations, course design and development assistance, course quality assurance review, feedback sessions and workshops.

You are invited to contact the Office of Faculty Research and Development by emailing the director, Rebecca Conley.