Future Faculty Fellowship Program (FFFP) for Graduate Students

The Future Faculty Fellowship Program is an intensive, five-day seminar designed to accomplish three goals: (a) improve the educational experience of UNC students in courses taught by graduate students; (b) prepare graduate students for their first experience as independent instructors; and (c) help graduate students understand the roles and responsibilities of faculty members in higher education. To recognize the value of the commitment to professional development that participation represents, each Fellow who completes the course will receive a certificate, a $450 honorarium, and a set of books on college teaching.

May 2012 session:

• The May 2012 session will take place from May 7-11.
• The deadline for the Application and Letter of Recommendation is January 31
• Students will be notified of acceptance on February 17

August 2012 session:

• The August 2012 session will take place from August 6-10.
• The deadline for the Application and Letter of Recommendation is April 16
• Students will be notified of acceptance on April 23

General information:

The seminar addresses a wide range of topics related to teaching and learning at the college level and is designed as a hands-on experience for the participants. Students in the seminar learn how to

• design and teach courses that emphasize critical thinking and higher-order learning;
• evaluate student learning using methods that are valid and reliable;
• gather and use information from students and peers to improve teaching;
• create a teaching portfolio and prepare for the academic job search;
• balance competing responsibilities in the life of a junior faculty member;
• explore options for assuming leadership roles in the context of institutions of higher learning.

The seminar consists of five days of instruction, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, with working lunches during which participants and faculty members discuss issues regarding academic leadership and professional life. Homework includes readings, web assignments, and preparatory exercises for each day’s lessons. Applicants must make a commitment to attend all five days of the seminar. Sample agenda (.pdf).

Eligibility

Eligible students must (a) be enrolled in a graduate program at UNC, (b) have a commitment to an academic career, and (c) be assigned to teach as an independent instructor in the upcoming academic year at UNC OR have a faculty sponsor who will allow the student to design, teach, and assess at least three contact hours of class time in one of the sponsor’s courses. An “independent instructor” has complete responsibility for planning a course, developing course materials, selecting texts, conducting classes, designing and administering tests and other assessments, and grading the students.

Applications

Any graduate student who meets these eligibility standards may apply for the fellowship by completing the application form (.doc) and arranging for a letter of recommendation (.pdf) to be submitted by his or her advisor, chair, director of graduate studies, or faculty sponsor, where applicable.
Note: The letter of recommendation must address the eligibility criteria outlined above.

Sponsors

The CFE conducts the Future Faculty Fellowship Program, providing instructional personnel, seminar materials, coordination, and general support. The Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost and the CFE supply funding. In addition, the Graduate School, the Graduate and Professional Student Federation, and Student Government offer ongoing advice and support.

For more information contact:

Donna Bailey, Teaching and Learning Consultant
dbailey1@email.unc.edu or (919) 962-9967