Academia and the Motivated Life

Office of Faculty and Academic Staff Development

August 2022

NEWS & NETWORKING

The Anticipation of a New Academic Year

The calendar may say classes are starting up and fall has arrived, but no doubt many are trying to cram in one last get-away, and time together with family and friends before launching into a busy new year. The anticipation of things to come, the excitement of being together in person more safely than in recent past, and the realization that on-campus means the hunt for parking begins again after time away are all common signals for the beginning of a new term. As we unpack, prepare classes in different modalities, greet new colleagues and those we haven’t seen in a while, see students moving into residence halls and apartments, and basically settle into academic routines, it helps to remember that academic life is ... (read more)

Best wishes,

Marilyn Amey

Assistant Provost for Faculty and Academic Staff Development

Making an Impact

New Name, New Leadership, Same Great Academic Focus

The new academic year is percolating like a pot of fresh coffee welcoming us back. The sounds bring anticipation of both drudgery and cheer. Yet here, at the crisp rise of the year ahead, we’ll enjoy our coffee and share some information to help lighten the load a little - we hope. Read more

The Motivated Life:

What it Means to Prabu David, Ph.D.

After a “fantastic run” of eight years in the role of dean of the College of Communication Arts & Sciences, Prabu David says it felt like a good time to step aside and let rising leaders within the college take on new roles while he transitions to associate provost for Faculty and Academic Staff Development. He’s proud of the accomplishments of his talented colleagues in ComArtSci during his tenure, and he hopes to take a bit of what he’s learned as dean and share that with his expanding role in the campus community. Read more

Welcome to the 2022-23 Fellowship Cohorts

Fellowship programs facilitated by OFASD provide opportunities to expand leadership, teaching, learning, and research in different ways with the support of facilitators and a network of colleagues in each cohort. This article includes this year's fellowship participants including information on the programs and projects for the upcoming year. In early spring, look for an informational session that will introduce the many opportunities to engage, learn, and build your networks.

Deadlines

All-University Awards due Monday, October 17

This suite of awards is recognized at the annual All-University Awards Convocation. These awards celebrate the excellent work of our faculty, administrators, academic staff, and graduate students across the University. The call for All-University Awards is in the spring with nominations due October 17, 2022.

Events

Starting an Academic Career in Unusual Times

Fall 2022 session are from 2 to 3 p.m. EST on these dates:

September 15
October 20
November 3
December 1

Designed to foster connections, answer frequently asked questions, and support those early in their career to navigate the university and the overall landscape of academic life.

Leadership Institute Sessions

Fall 2022 session dates:

September 16: MSU Budget Basics
September 23: Honorific Award Letter Writing Session
October 7: Navigating Conflict Narratives and Difficult Conversations
October 21: Hiring, Retention and Spousal Hires
December 2: Navigating the Reappointment, Promotion, and Tenure Landscape at MSU

Each year, the Leadership Institute series offers academic administrators the opportunity to explore key topics in sessions led by leaders from across MSU.

View additional educator development trainings.

See more events

Resources

NCFDD

The National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity offers live and recorded webinars, courses, and workshops covering many topics that pertain to different stages of academic careers. To receive many resources at no cost to you, register with your NetID for an account linked to our MSU institutional membership.

Course Syllabus at MSU

In this resource, we describe the purpose and history of the syllabus and outline the required and recommended elements of syllabi at Michigan State. We end with links to MSU’s many existing syllabus guidelines and resources. While what to include in your syllabus is flexible, we encourage educators to keep students’ needs in mind and think about how your syllabus can contribute to their learning.

Syllabus Checklist

MSU requires faculty to distribute a course syllabus at the beginning of the semester. This document summarizes essentials about syllabi design and requirements at MSU. Learn more

Impacts shared about another educator

via #iteachmsu Thank an Educator:

James Lambert

Instructor

Department of Philosophy

lamber53@msu.edu

"Dr.Lambert is genuinely one of the most educated and well-spoken instructors I have had EVER. He has completely shifted my view on ethical issues in America and provided the utmost respect to all students, especially when addressing tough topics. He is charismatic and educated, but presents material in a way that's easy to follow and really just values the concept of learning. I can't say enough good things about him!"

Thank an Educator

top of Beaumont Tower as graphic element

Office of Faculty & Academic Staff Development

Phone: (517) 432-1185

Email: ofasd@msu.edu

Website: ofasd.msu.edu

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