Faculty Training Kicks Off

[image 1]Faculty training officially kicked off Aug. 31 with an exciting lineup of topics to empower instructors on Fridays. 

The fall series launched with a welcome for new instructors. The session focused on NVC’s culture of student-centered learning and the central role of faculty in NVC’s success. On Sept. 7, all faculty came together to kick off the faculty advising initiative. 

“We have one of the most robust faculty development programs around,” explains Mary Dixson, dean of Interdisciplinary Programs. “Our goal is to help faculty develop their teaching skills through exploration, innovation, and discussion.”

Faculty development is designed to provide opportunities for new and seasoned instructors. New faculty come together weekly throughout the year for New Faculty Orientation. Directly following orientation, all faculty are invited to attend general Faculty Development sessions that provide conversations and training around various aspects of teaching and learning.

Some of the topics include learning the nuts and bolts of promotion and tenure, serving students who are differently abled, learning communities, conflict management, helping students find purpose, and how to help students with Asperger’s.

[image 2]The program will also host a graduate fair on Oct. 5 for faculty interested in learning more about opportunities for continuing their own education.

Part-time adjuncts will also continue to be an important audience for faculty development.

“We have created online orientation modules, media site recordings of presentations, free online webinar resources, and Saturday workshops – all to engage our exceptional part-time faculty,” notes Melody Crenshaw who directs faculty development.

Saturday workshops continue to be popular for full and part-time faculty. This Saturday, Sept. 15, from 9 a.m. to noon, the second half of the Foundation training workshop will be presented, which is designed to teach the basic principles of cooperative learning.

To learn more about the sessions or upcoming faculty opportunities, make sure to read “NVC Faculty Forum,” a newsletter produced by NVC’s Interdisciplinary Programs, which highlights all upcoming training. The newsletter is sent weekly by Mary Dixson. To see the latest edition, go to this file: [file 1]