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 Office of Faculty Development via 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

FIGs Results: Fall 2020/Spring 2021

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 group agrees to meet regularly to share ideas for a predetermined length of time (generally one or two semesters).

A total of 52 Austin Community College (ACC) faculty and staff participated in Faculty Interest Groups (FIGs) during the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semester. The FIG topics included Distance Learning, Empowered Google, Building Culturally Responsive Classrooms, Teaching Ethics to Adult Learners, and Religious Literacy. Eight Areas of Study were represented.

The Faculty Experience

As a result of their participation in this program:

- 92% felt they are able to be more effective in their role.
- 100% would recommend this course to colleagues.

- 96% felt a renewed excitement for teaching.
- 88% felt more confident in their ability to create an inclusive classroom.

“It creates a good opportunity for professors to engage in an intellectual community”

“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.”