The goal of this first-year faculty learning community (FYFLC) is to prepare you for the challenges that lie ahead in your academic journey and foster an environment where you can build connections and support one another. My role will be that of a facilitator, and we will convene once a month on Fridays at 10 am to 12:00 pm at the Faculty Center for Excellence Conference Room PL-4005A to discuss the following topics, aided by insights from the book Candid Advice for New Faculty Members: A Guide to Getting Tenure and Advancing Your Academic Career by Marybeth Gassman:
Settling into Your New Role and Surviving Faculty Politics (September 5, 2025)
What does an academic job entail, and how can you tackle each component successfully? We will identify the steps to take during the initial months of our tenure-line job to pave the way for long-term success. We will read pp. xix-xxxii, 13-15.
Navigating departmental dynamics and avoiding gossip are essential skills. We will address strategies for managing relationships with colleagues while sidestepping involvement in departmental politics. We will read pp. 95-106.
How to Teach at Your Best (October 3, 2025)
How much should you prepare for your classes? Which classes should you be teaching? How many new preps should you agree to do? How many assignments should you assign? How to manage difficult conversations in the classroom? How to take student evaluations into consideration? We will explore strategies to ensure our students are engaged, learning, and thriving while honing our craft as educators. We will read pp. 43-58.
How to Plan a Research Agenda and Publish (November 7, 2025)
Planning a research agenda requires consideration of various factors, including CSUSB's tenure requirements. We will plan our research agendas for the next five years and explore strategies for effective research and writing practices. We will read pp. 17-40.
Managing Service and Student Advising (March 6, 2026)
How should you choose service work that aligns with your career goals? When should you accept or decline service requests? We will explore service options that best suit our individual needs while taking into account the service requirements of CSUSB and your department for tenure. Student advising is one aspect of your service obligations. Additionally, we will discuss effective methods for building a trusting relationship with our students and managing their expectations of us. We will read pp. 61-68, 71-83.
Do I Have to Apply for Grants? (March 27, 2026)
We will explore the reasons for applying for grants and how to collaborate with other researchers. The focus will be on internal versus external grants, considering departmental tenure requirements for research. We will read pp. 85-93.
How do I Achieve Work-Life Balance? (April 24, 2026)
The pursuit of tenure and promotion can lead to stress and anxiety. We will discuss the importance of work-life balance and share tips to achieve it, aiming to reduce stress. We will read pp. 109-116.