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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 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.

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.”

 

Contact

For any questions, please contact the Office of Faculty Development via facdev@austincc.edu.