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Faculty Interest Groups

A Faculty Interest Group (FIG) is a group of faculty within or across disciplines with a mutual interest in some subject applicable to teaching. The group agrees to meet regularly to share ideas for a predetermined length of time (generally one or two semesters). These groups are less formal than Faculty Learning Communities (FLCs), but still engage faculty in regular efforts to share ideas about teaching that address their selected focus.

The Teaching and Learning Excellence Division (TLED) is pleased to support opportunities for Austin Community College (ACC) faculty to engage in instructor-centered and initiated groups of like-minded peers to explore shared topics of interest.

For any questions, please contact the Faculty Development Office: facdev@austincc.edu.

Overview

Below are the steps and expectations for starting an ACC Faculty Interest Group.

    • A faculty facilitator starts the process of creating a FIG by submitting the proposal form
        • As the applicant, you agree to organize and facilitate the meetings
        • The group agrees to meet regularly to share ideas
        • Note: Group size is limited to no more than 12-15 faculty members

Faculty facilitators and participants are eligible to earn professional development credit.

 

Compensation: $250 for the faculty facilitator and additional funding for teaching and learning resources

Duration: One or two semesters

Expected Outcomes:

    • Practical ways to use new ideas in teaching
    • Log of meetings, topics, and attendees

Desired Outcomes:

    • Results shared with colleagues at a department meeting, college development day, blog post, etc.

Example Topics for Faculty Interest Groups:

 

  • Equity Mindedness & Anti-Racist Pedagogy
  • Alternative Assessments
  • Active & Engaged Teaching
  • Incorporating Interactive Learning Applications and Approaches

 

  • Building Community in the Dual Credit Classroom
  • Game-Based Learning Activities
  • Cognitive Learning & Memory
  • High Impact Practices
  • Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience

Faculty Facilitator Responsibilities

    • Submit Proposal
    • Define group purpose
    • Develop content to be shared
    • Decide on days/times/details
    • Coordinate any speakers and meeting formats
    • Lead selection of participants
    • Take attendance at meetings

 

We are here to help you every step of the way.

Questions? Email us: facdev@austincc.edu

What support do I receive from the Faculty Development Office & Faculty Communications to run a FIG?

 

Faculty Development Office Support

  • Assist with application development
  • Collaborate with faculty facilitator to develop equitable criteria for choosing participants
  • Provide general guidance and support
  • Input professional development hours
  • Place food orders
  • Create calendar invites
  • Reserve rooms or coordinate online links

 

Faculty Communications Support

  • Design webpage on TLED site
  • Write content for promotions
  • Develop any graphics upon request
  • Brainstorm ideas for reaching your audience
  • Promote the opportunity via email, TLED newsletter, social media and website

 

Get the process started by submitting the Faculty Interest Group Proposal Form.

 

SUBMIT FORM

Submit by July 31st for Fall 2020 and October 12th for Spring 2021.