|
Media
Relations and Marketing Questions? Information provided by K-State Media Relations, K-State's news service, may be reproduced without permission. The marks and names of Kansas State University are protected trademarks and may not be used in any commercial or private endeavor without the approval of the university. |
K-Statement
Carving a successful path
Navigating a university as large as K-State can be a bit overwhelming for a new hire. Seeking out resources and opportunities, not to mention policies and procedures, can be daunting for a first-time professor. That's where the New Faculty Institute can help. The institute is a university-wide program to introduce newly hired faculty to K-State's missions of teaching, research and service and to help them be successful.
"The purpose is to get new faculty to know how things work at K-State and how to be successful early on," he said. "This was a piece we thought was missing in faculty development at K-State." A survey of recently hired faculty members showed he was right. Although the majority said they were able to find information they were seeking, they still thought a program would be beneficial. Out of 48 new faculty who signed up for the institute in fall 2006, 35 attended at least one session, with an average session attendance of 22. Eighteen graduated, which meant they attended at least four out of six sessions. Fred Hasler, instructor of architectural engineering and construction science and New Faculty Institute graduate, said the institute gets new employees connected and gives them a better understanding of how things work at K-State. "I am not only new to K-State but this is also my first time teaching," Hasler said. "I saw this as an opportunity to gain knowledge about the university and have some resources outside of my department. I think the program also made people feel more welcomed and comfortable." He said the institute allowed him time to think about issues such as class management, being effective in the classroom, research, promotion and scholarship. "The whole process allowed for a short learning curve for new faculty and made me feel more confident in what I was doing," he said. All sessions are hosted by university faculty leaders with expertise in the topic areas. Sessions are built around lunch and include a presentation, meal, interactive panel and group sessions. Vicki Clegg, director of K-State's Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, which supports the institute, said anecdotal information let them know it was important for new faculty to not only meet others in "the same boat," but also to meet mentors among the "seasoned" faculty. In addition, even faculty members who had been at K-State for a while wanted to participate in the institute, she said. "That was indicative of a need," she said. One-hundred percent of those in the New Faculty Institute's first class said they would recommend it to others. Although the institute is only available to new faculty members, much of the information it provides is available on its Web site, http://www.k-state.edu/nfi In addition, those interested in hearing sessions can borrow a CD from the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning. The New Faculty Institute receives funding and support from the office of the provost. For a list of those who graduated from the first New Faculty Institute, see the online version of K-Statement. GRADUATES: * Marcus Ashlock, assistant professor, communications
May 3, 2007 / Vol. 29, No. 20
|
Sessions involve information, networking, training and peer mentoring.