Community Cafe: Teaching & Learning in STEM
Dates: Wednesdays; Sept. 4 & 18, Oct. 16 & 30, Nov. 13 & 20
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Location: Christian Cafeteria Executive Dining Room
Facilitator: Kyle Hurley
STEM disciplines face unique challenges in the fields of teaching and learning. This year-long learning community will serve as a meeting place for anyone interested in improving, exploring, and growing as professionals. We will meet twice a month for lunch and discussion on a variety of topics from best practices to technology, to interdisciplinary and interdepartmental approaches for teaching and beyond! Register Now!
Global Learning Research Group
Dates: Thursdays; Sept. 12 & 26, Oct. 10 & 24, Nov. 14
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: TORW 319
Facilitator: Allison Freed and Evan Faidley
This group aims to connect faculty and staff members interested in studying the influence of global learning (e.g., Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), Global Shared Learning Experiences, Education Abroad, etc.) on the internationalization of academic programs, curricula, and student learning. We plan to meet twice a month to discuss and plan research efforts on global teaching and learning. We plan to seek publication of our research and continue our inquiries into the spring semester. Register Now!
New Faculty Teaching Academy (NFTA)
Dates: Mondays; Sept. 9 & 23, Oct. 7 & 21, Nov. 4 & 18, Dec. 2
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Location: TORW 302
Facilitators: Olivia Bundrick, Stacy Lom, and Zach Smith
This community for first- and second-year faculty meets twice a month, in-person, throughout the academic year to provide new faculty with a strong foundation in research-based strategies for teaching and learning, key insights into UCA-specific resources and student populations, and a supportive environment for discussing and responding to the emergent needs of new faculty. Participants in the program will have opportunities to workshop inclusive syllabi and effective assessments, and to participate in peer teaching observations valuable in the process of applying for tenure and/or promotion. NFTA provides a laboratory of ideas and supportive feedback for any new faculty looking to take their teaching to the next level. Register Now!
Early Career Coaching Circle (ECCC)
Dates: Tuesdays; Sept. 3 & 17, Oct. 1 & 15, Nov. 5 & 19
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: TORW 319
Facilitators: Amy Hawkins, Rebekah Luong, Arijit Mukherjee, Ashley Phillips
Interested in setting yourself up for success in your first few years as a UCA faculty member? ECCC is a learning community with a semi-structured discussion format for faculty in their second through fifth year at UCA. This group will meet twice a month throughout the academic year to support each other in the development of individualized plans to set and achieve goals in the areas of teaching, scholarship & creative activity, and service. Register Now!
Academic Leadership Learning Community: Leadership is a Relationship
Dates: Fridays (Sept. 6 & 20, Oct. 4 & 25, Nov. 8 & 22)
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Location: TORW 319
Facilitators: Nancy Reese & Amy Hawkins
This learning community explores topics and application exercises to hone participants’ leadership skills. This fall we are reading the book that inspired the 2024 Chairs & Directors Retreat, Leadership Is a Relationship by Erwin and DeVoll (2021). Whether you are a new or experienced chair or director or interested in exploring academic leadership roles and responsibilities, this group is for you! Register Now!
Dean’s Leadership Series
Time: x-period
Location: McCastlain Fireplace Room
Facilitator: Tom Williams
Join our Dean’s Leadership Learning Community, a four-part series focused on enhancing leadership skills. Dive into such critical topics as building culture, personnel management, avoiding burnout, and managing difficult people to empower and inspire effective leadership. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your leadership capabilities.
Personnel 101: September 10
Dive into the essentials of personnel management in academia with our “Personnel 101” session. Led by an experienced dean, this workshop will alert academic leaders to key insights into faculty and staff hiring, retention, development, and building culture. You’ll explore strategies for navigating tenure and promotion processes, learn best practices for performance evaluations in higher education, and discover techniques for fostering a collaborative academic environment. Whether you’re a new or aspiring academic leader or a seasoned administrator, this session will provide you with the tools to effectively manage your most valuable asset—your people. Register Now!
Preparing People to Thrive: November 12
Unlock the full potential of your faculty with our “Preparing People to Thrive” session, focused on creating mentorship programs that drive professional growth and strategies for balancing teaching, research, and service expectations. You’ll learn how to implement approaches that promote faculty well-being and work-life integration while fostering an inclusive environment that supports diverse talents. Join us to discover how to build a thriving academic community where faculty members are empowered to excel in their roles and propel your institution forward. Register Now!
Avoiding Burnout: February 11
Description coming this Spring!
Managing Difficult People: April 29
Description coming this Spring!