Early Career Faculty Learning Community

WMUx

Five faculty members sitting around a table in discussion

The WMUx Office of Faculty Development invites new board-appointed faculty (both tenure-track and term) and those approaching their fourth-year review to join the Early Career Faculty Learning Community (ECFLC). This community of inquiry focuses on preparing participants for tenure and promotion review through a series of activities and discussions. Faculty will have the opportunity to engage in dialogue with peers, share experiences, and explore the professional support available at WMU. Sessions are designed to align with the semester schedule, allowing for immediate application of the concepts discussed.

The ECFLC will utilize WMU’s promotion and tenure framework, concentrating on three main areas of professional advancement and growth:

Professional Competence
Professional Recognition
Professional Service

Apply to join the 2024-25 ECFLC by Monday, September 23.

Meeting Schedule and Modality

The ECFLC will meet four times during the academic year, with two meetings in the Fall and two in the Spring. The first meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 3, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. (location TBA). Based on feedback received in the sign-up form, we will determine whether this initial meeting will be held in person or virtually. Future meeting dates and modalities will be decided based on the group’s preferences at the first meeting.

Time Commitment and Expectations

The ECFLC is designed to support your professional advancement and growth. All activities are focused on enhancing your professional skills. As a participant in this learning community, you will be expected to engage in meaningful dialogue with your peers on session topics. Agendas and discussion topics will be shared ahead of each session, allowing you to prepare. At the end of each session, participants will set mini-goals for their continued development.

Topics and Objectives

Our aim is to help you develop a roadmap for success and connect you with essential resources, units, and individuals both within and outside WMU. The four sessions will include a blend of content delivery and faculty discussions, covering the following focus areas:

Adapting to faculty life and maintaining personal well-being
Understanding and navigating the tenure and promotion process at WMU, including preparing your tenure and promotion dossier
Goal setting, time management, handling unexpected challenges, and planning for each semester
Developing your research, scholarship, and/or creative activities pipeline
Enhancing your teaching and professional competence
Balancing professional service responsibilities with professional goals and institutional needs
Identifying professional enhancement and development opportunities
Leveraging available resources as a faculty member

For more information, please contact Ramona Lewis, Associate Director of Faculty Development, or Lofty Durham, Faculty Fellow.