The College of Arts and Sciences is working to create a community in which all students, faculty, and staff participate in an environment of openness and acceptance, and in which people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives feel welcome, safe, and able to thrive. We understand that intentionally fostering a culture of mentorship and faculty support is a collective responsibility and foundational to our College's long-term success. Faculty peer mentoring contributes to an enriched scholarly environment, an improved organizational climate, and enhanced collaborations in research, teaching, and faculty governance. A strong culture of mentoring leads to higher rates of faculty retention and a stronger connection to our scholarly disciplines and the institution. The College of Arts and Sciences is developing a comprehensive approach to faculty peer mentoring which includes training, resources, facilitated peer mentoring groups, departmental faculty peer mentoring policies, and writing groups. In addition, we encourage faculty to reference the materials provided by the Provost's Office of Faculty Advancement and the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity.
The College is hosting several faculty development workshops and conversations throughout the Spring 2023 semester. Please see below for more information.
Faculty are encouraged to apply for professional development funding. Applications are reviewed annually on 10/1, 3/1, and 5/1.
Strategies for Success on the Tenure Track
October 14, 12-1:15 pm, POT 245
Co-facilitated by Christia Brown and Sarah Lyon
Assistant Professors, especially those hired in the last four years, are invited for a lunchtime discussion with Associate Deans Christia Brown and Sarah Lyon. We will share strategies for how Assistant Professors can find the community and mentoring support they need to thrive in challenging times. We will discuss the purpose of progress reviews and annual FMER’s and how to prepare effective review materials. We will also discuss the impact of covid-19 disruptions on faculty productivity and well-being and the steps that we can take to mitigate these impacts for assistant professors who are working towards tenure and promotion.
Faculty Work-Life Balance Workshop
January 27, 2023 12:00-1:15 POT 245
Led by Christia Brown, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We will discuss how to balance faculty work with a life outside of work, especially when that includes family demands. We will talk about concrete strategies for managing competing obligations while minimizing the risk of burnout. Lunch will be provided. Please email Teresa.Smith@uky.edu to register.
Publishing 101
February 3, 2023 3:00-4:30 GSC375
Visit with editors from the University Press of Kentucky to learn about the ins and outs of publishing. The publishing panel will showcase the entire publication process, including crafting a proposal, revising a dissertation, and discussion about finding the right publisher for your work.
Faculty Workload Equity
March 3, 2023 12:00-1:15 POT 318
Co-led by Greg Smith, Psychology, and Sarah Lyon, Senior Associate Dean of Faculty Advancement
Recent research demonstrates that faculty workload is taken up, assigned, and rewarded in patterns, and these patterns show important yet overlooked areas where inequity manifests in academe. Please join us for a lunchtime discussion about how academic units can promote workload equity. Former Psychology Chair, Dr. Greg Smith, will share how he approached workload assessment and adjustment in his department. We will discuss how the College can prioritize and support more equitable faculty workloads. Lunch will be provided. Please email Teresa.Smith@uky.edu to register.
Preparing for Tenure and Promotion to Associate Professor
April 27, 2023 12:00-1:15 Zoom
Co-led by Sarah Lyon, Senior Associate Dean of Faculty Advancement and Christia Brown, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
This workshop will provide an overview of the review process for Assistant Professors preparing to come up for tenure and promotion within the next 1-2 years. We will review the typical timeline, the parts of the dossier, and the best practices candidates can use to document their impact in research, teaching, and service. We will discuss strategies for how to write compelling candidate statements and how to use purposeful language for external and/or internal reviewers. We will also discuss how to best craft a description of how the Covid-19 pandemic impacted your work. Participants are encouraged to read the Provost’s Memo on Promotion and Tenure and to review College procedures prior to the workshop. Please email Teresa.Smith@uky.edu to register.
Charting Your Path from Associate to Full Professor
April 27, 2023 1:30-2:45 Zoom
Co-led by Sarah Lyon, Senior Associate Dean of Faculty Advancement and Christia Brown, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
This workshop will help Associate Professors to develop a concrete plan for promotion to Full Professor. We will discuss how promotion to Full differs from promotion to Associate. We will review the typical timeline, the parts of the dossier, and the best practices candidates can use to document their impact in research, teaching, and service. We will discuss strategies for how to write compelling candidate statements that fully demonstrate faculty members’ broader contributions to their discipline and our institution through their service initiatives and administrative leadership. We welcome workshop participation from Associate Professors at all stages in their path to promotion, those who have been recently tenured and promoted and those who anticipate coming up for Full Professor within the next 1-2 years. Participants are encouraged to read the Provost’s Memo on Promotion and Tenure and to review College procedures prior to the workshop. Please email Teresa.Smith@uky.edu to register.