Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs & Provost
Faculty Development
The University of Minnesota's goal to become one of the world's greatest research universities relies upon a great faculty. Well-prepared, fully engaged faculty and staff represent the most important asset the University has in times of change. The skills, knowledge, creativity, dedication and motivation they bring to their work are the core of the institution's competitive advantag. The Senior Vice President and Provost applauds the efforts of colleges and departments to engage faculty in development activities that promote academic excellence; the following programs are sponsored by the Office of the Provost:
- New Faculty Orientation
- Grant Writing Seminars
- Provost's Department Chairs Leadership Program
- Faculty Development
- Mentoring
New Faculty Orientation
In addition to orientation programs offered by the Office of Human Resources and by individual colleges and departments, new University of Minnesota faculty are encouraged to attend New Faculty Orientation. Last year's New Faculty Orientation was held August 21-23, 2007; next year, New Faculty Orientation will be held August 19-21, 2008.
Please email Karen Zentner Bacig, Ph.D., for more information or visit the New Faculty Orientation web site:
Grant Writing Seminars
Each semester, the University of Minnesota sponsors a one-day grant writing seminar presented by Dr. Stephen Russell (http://www.grantcentral.com).
The fall seminar, geared to junior faculty, post-doc research associates, and senior graduate students, teaches new investigators how to write a grant application addressing both practical and conceptual aspects of the proposal-writing process. This seminar is slower paced than the spring seminar, with more time allowed for questions and answers. Please contact Shereen Sabet for more information.
The spring seminar is designed for faculty and administrative staff who have had some exposure to writing grant applications. Emphasis is given to idea development, identification of the most appropriate granting agencies, how to write for reviewers, etc.
Provost’s Department Chairs Leadership Program
The Provost’s Department Chairs Leadership Program has been designed to support department chairs’ leadership and to provide critical information and resources to chairs and heads. This year-long academic leadership program for new chairs is a collaborative effort between the Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost and the Office of the Vice President for Human Resources. Arlene Carney, Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs, hosts these meetings throughout the year.
Faculty Development
The Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE) is a project of Harvard University. All University of Minnesota probationary faculty members on the Twin Cities campus who joined the University prior to the summer of 2005 were invited to complete a survey, along with probationary faculty at institutions across the country. The survey asks faculty to assess their experiences regarding promotion and tenure, the nature of their work, policies and practices, and the general climate, culture and level of collegiality on their campuses.
Provided here are a PowerPoint presentation by Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs Arlene Carney that summarizes and highlights some of the key findings for the University of Minnesota, along with a copy of the survey instrument.
- Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education
(download Powerpoint presentation) - Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education Survey Instrument
(download pdf)
Careers in Academic Administration Workshop
Ever consider a position in academic administration? Join us for a discussion about leadership opportunities in academic administration and hear some of your colleagues who are in these positions discuss their experiences, reasons for pursuing careers in academic administration, and important questions to consider when deciding whether this path is right for you.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008, 1:00-3:00 p.m., 101 Walter Library.
For more information, please contact Karen Zentner Bacig, kbacig@umn.edu
Mentoring
Mentoring in Interdisciplinary Contexts:
Models, Best Practices and Lessons Learned
Mentoring is a key factor in developing and retaining outstanding faculty, students, and staff. It is also an essential skill for successful interdisciplinary collaboration. This workshop will explore mentoring relationships within an interdisciplinary context from the perspective of faculty, postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and staff involved in collaborative team work and interdisciplinary research, teaching, and creative activities. Mentoring workshop website.
2006-2007 President's Emerging Leaders Program - Mentoring Project.
During the 2006-2007 academic year, a President's Emerging Leaders Program group, sponsored by the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs, explored mentoring for probationary faculty as their year-long project. Their final report contains a brief literature review, a benchmarking of faculty mentoring practices at peer institutions, a review of relevant University reports, results from a survey of University departments regarding faculty mentoring activities and finally, a summary of University department interviews regarding faculty mentoring initiatives. Their poster presentation summarizes their year-long project.
Resources
Articles
Jean E. Girves, Yolanda Zepeda, Judith K. Gwathmey (2005) Mentoring in a Post-Affirmative Action World Journal of Social Issues 61 (3), 449-479.