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

Registration Form

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:

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
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

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.”