Center for Faculty Development

Faculty come to the Center for Faculty Development because they want to—not because they are under duress. If a colleague "strongly suggests" that someone consult with the Center, that person is under no obligation to do so (by agreement with the Provost's Office). Because all our consultations are confidential, we will not divulge—not even to department chairs, deans, or members of the Provost’s Office—who has or hasn’t worked with us. 

Our role is to support faculty in thinking about the various facets of their work, whether as educators, scholars, colleagues, or leaders. We offer suggestions and ideas. The Center for Faculty Development is completely separate from any summative (judgment-based) evaluation and is never involved in decisions around promotion, tenure, or re-hiring. We don’t write letters of recommendation for promotion files or for Chairs.

Our conversations with faculty remain confidential within the Center. Occasionally Center staff discuss these consultations among themselves to be able to track trends in faculty development issues or to brainstorm good advice or resources to offer faculty. One exception to our policy: By law, we are required to report any harassment or threat of physical harm to oneself or others.