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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 a subject applicable to teaching. 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 Office of Faculty Development at 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 to 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

  • Alternative assessments
  • Active and engaged teaching
  • Incorporating interactive learning applications and approaches
  • Building community in the dual credit classroom
  • Game-based learning activities
  • Cognitive learning and 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, and 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 at facdev@austincc.edu

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

Office of Faculty Development 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
    • Create calendar invites
    • Reserve rooms or coordinate online links

Faculty Communications support

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

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

SUBMIT FORM

The faculty experience

“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 any questions, please contact the Office of Faculty Development at facdev@austincc.edu.