Faculty Interest Groups
Faculty Interest Groups
A Faculty Interest Group (FIG) is a small group of faculty within or across disciplines who meet regularly to explore a shared teaching-related topic. FIGs are instructor-initiated, collaborative, and supported by the Teaching & Learning Excellence Division (TLED).
For questions, contact the Office of Faculty Development at facdev@austincc.edu.
Getting Started
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- Submit the Faculty Interest Group Proposal Form.
- Serve as the group facilitator by organizing and leading meetings.
- Plan for the group to meet regularly.
- Limit group size to 12–15 participants.
Professional development credit is available for all participants.
Compensation and Timeline
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- Facilitator Stipend: $250
- Additional Funding: Available for teaching and learning resources
- Duration: One or two semesters
Expected Outcomes
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- Actionable strategies for improving teaching
- Log of meeting topics and attendance
Desired Outcomes
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- Share results through department meetings, development days, blog posts, or similar venues
Example Topics
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- Alternative Assessments
- Active and Engaged Teaching
- Interactive Learning Approaches
- Building Community in the Dual Credit Classroom
- Game-Based Learning
- Cognitive Learning and Memory
- High-Impact Practices
- Course-Based Undergraduate Research
Faculty Facilitator Responsibilities
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- Submit proposal form
- Define the group’s purpose and outcomes
- Develop and share meeting content
- Coordinate meetings and schedule
- Invite speakers and manage group logistics
- Select participants
- Track attendance
Support from the Faculty Development Office
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- Help with application development
- Collaborate on equitable participant selection
- General guidance throughout the process
- Input professional development hours
- Assist with calendar invites and room or link reservations
Support from Faculty Communications
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- Design a FIG webpage on the TLED site
- Create promotional content and graphics (if needed)
- Promote your group through newsletters, social media, and email
Submit a Proposal
Start your Faculty Interest Group by submitting the proposal form.
Faculty Feedback
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn and collaborate with colleagues from different disciplines. I always learn practical takeaways to improve my teaching and am re-inspired by my colleague’s dedication.”
“I enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about what faculty from other disciplines do to integrate ethics into their teaching.”
Contact
For questions or support, contact the Office of Faculty Development at facdev@austincc.edu.
Explore Faculty Interest Groups
Become a Faculty Interest Group Facilitator!