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 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.
Upcoming Faculty Interest Group!
The Spiritual Practice
Facilitated by Amy Wink
In his poem, “The Way It Is”, William Stafford writes “There is a thread you follow. It goes among things that change. But it doesn’t change. People wonder about what you are pursuing. You have to explain about the thread. But it is hard for others to see. While you hold it you can’t get lost.” Our work as educators is often understood as just such a thread, sometimes described as calling, that internally driven desire to improve our understanding of the facts and systems of the world and how we function within those systems. Our profession encourages our outwardly production—developing courses, creating publications, engaging in research — designed to engage our students with the shared work of learning and understanding.
The tension between the inner drive and the outward direction can lead us to focus more on the evidence of our drive instead of the fuel that we need to keep going. This becomes even more challenging in a culture that often questions the value of our work (and those who do it!). I would like to explore this inner drive and teaching as a spiritual practice (one that makes our lives meaningful) with others in a Faculty Interest Group that will focus on how we come to understand our work as calling, what keeps us going, and how we can deepen our understanding of the inner meaning that fuels us. If you would be interested in joining this FIG focusing on teaching as a spiritual practice, please contact Amy Wink (awink@austincc.edu) with your questions.
Fall 2024 Schedule
Time: 10:30-12:00 pm
Modality: Zoom (online synchronous)
Dates: September 20, October 11, November 15, December 6
Overview
Below are the steps and expectations for starting an ACC Faculty Interest Group.
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- A faculty facilitator starts the process of creating a FIG by submitting the proposal form
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- 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
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- A faculty facilitator starts the process of creating a FIG by submitting the proposal form
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:
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- Practical ways to use new ideas in teaching
- Log of meetings, topics, and attendees
Desired Outcomes:
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- Results shared with colleagues at a department meeting, college development day, blog post, etc.
Example Topics for Faculty Interest Groups:
- 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
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- 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
- 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
The Faculty Experience
“I enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about what faculty from other disciplines do to integrate ethics into their teaching.”