3.7.3 Faculty development
The institution provides ongoing professional development of faculty as teachers, scholars, and practitioners.
Judgment of Compliance
Compliance
Narrative of Justification
Bennett College has a well-established Faculty Development Program operating continuously since 1983, which helps Bennett faculty to develop as teachers, scholars and practitioners. This comprehensive program is supported by a variety of grants and institutional funds, including institutional funds acquired through a 2005 fundraising gala. The faculty development activities of the College are developed and managed by the Faculty Development Committee of the Faculty Senate. (Faculty Development Committee Guidelines)
The pursuit of professional development at Bennett College usually begins with the design of an annual Professional Development Plan (Professional Development Form). At the beginning of each academic year, all faculty members develop and present to their immediate supervisor a plan projecting what they expect to accomplish over the course of the year in the areas of teaching, grantsmanship, research, and service.
Faculty Development Programs
The Bennett College Faculty Development Program is designed to offer opportunities for faculty to continuously build their professional skills and expertise. In our ongoing quest for excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service, the College provides multiple programs, services, and resources for faculty development.
Faculty development begins for all faculties with the New Faculty Orientation Program that is held each Fall. This program is sponsored by the Provost (formerly Vice President for Academic Affairs) to assist new faculty in learning more about the academic community at the College. The program facilitates the early, active involvement of new faculty in the life of the College, as well as introduces the policies, procedures, services and facilities that are necessary to a successful initial experience at the College.
Another important aspect of the faculty development process is the assignment of a departmental mentor to each new member of the faculty. Typically, this mentor is the departmental chair; however, another member of the department may be assigned to advise new faculty on all areas of departmental activities, and to assist new faculty in learning about and adjusting to the expectations of the College.
In addition to the programs designed for new faculty, the College offers a range of other opportunities for all faculty to grow and develop professionally.
Attendance at Professional Conferences
As members of a professional community, Bennett College faculty benefits from interaction with their colleagues at professional meetings. Therefore, the College encourages and supports such participation. Faculty may present a request to the Faculty Development Committee for funding to support their travel (Faculty Development Gala Funds Request Application 2006-2007). In some instances, departmental funds or grant support may also be available. Faculty utilizing these resources will proceed through normal travel requests and fiscal channels. Priority in funding is given to faculty who are:
- presenting papers
- serving in a volunteer role such as moderating sessions, serving on a committee or as an officer of the association
- attending for personal enrichment
Faculty Resource Network
In partnership with New York University, Bennett College annually joins with other small colleges and universities in a program of week-long faculty development workshops. Each summer a variety of programs are offered at NYU, which are designated to improve the pedagogy and knowledge of faculty participants in selected topics. Faculty attends at no cost to themselves. Each spring the Office of Academic Affairs informs faulty of the workshops scheduled for that year and forwards application
materials to the faculty. The staff of the Network at NYU selects the participants based upon the rationale for participation and a need to balance attendance across all institutions in the Network.
In addition to the annual workshops, the Network sponsors a Scholar-in-Residence Program that offers free lodging for one summer month and access to library and computer facilities at New York University. A semester long program is also available.
Junior Faculty Research Awards
When funds are available, junior faculty (service at the College of less than six years) are eligible to apply for funding in support of their research agenda. Applications are made to the Sabbatical Leave Committee.
Special Funding
From time to time, the College is awarded grant monies for the specific purpose of funding faculty development. These grants vary; however, they have typically supported projects related to curriculum enhancements, international travel, research, and attendance at workshops and seminars. Notices are given to the campus community when these grants are available.
Study Leaves
Members of the faculty who are in the process of completing an advanced degree may request a one-year Study Leave for this purpose. A Study Leave is awarded without pay; however, the College will maintain the faculty member’s health benefit during the period of the leave. Faculty return to the College at the conclusion of their leave in the same position and under the same conditions that existed at the time the leave was granted. Requests for such leaves are presented to the Provost (formerly Vice President for Academic Affairs). Failure to return at the end of one year is equivalent to a resignation from the College.
Supporting Documents