Embracing Career Bends and Turns

Marilyn Amey

Assistant Provost for Faculty and Academic Staff Development

We are often inclined to have career exploration and career-building during times of “onboarding” or when interviewing for a new position – the “where do you see yourself in three to five years” question. After the first few months on the job have passed, academics often shift their focus to meeting career benchmarks expected, or laid out, by the supervisor and institution rather than necessarily pausing to reflect....

MAKING AN IMPACT

Reminder!

The deadline for submitting applications for the 2025-2026 Academic Leadership Fellows, Big Ten Academic Alliance Academic Leadership Program (ALP) Fellows, Lilly Fellows, Adams Academy Fellows, and Learning Communities is March 13.

EVENTS

Spring 2025 Academic Lunch and Learn Sessions

All sessions will be held from noon to 1 p.m. 

Join us for opportunities to learn, connect with others, and make meaningful contributions; to share excitement about one’s field with other learners; to advance the knowledge base; and to use one’s expertise to address pressing issues at MSU and in the broader society. 

Faculty and academic staff in all appointment types are invited to attend. These academic lunches are intended to be no-pressure, enjoyable opportunities to meet others at all career stages, learn about resources, and connect more fully with the university community. The lunches will be facilitated by Marilyn Amey, Assistant Provost for Faculty and Academic Staff Development, with guest colleagues often joining the discussion. 

Save the date for your preferred sessions and follow the link below to register!

• February 25 – Scholarship of Teaching and Learning – Kate Birdsall and Julie Libarkin (virtual session)
• March 11 – Sabbaticals and Study Leaves – Bethany Willinski and Joy Campbell
• March 25 – Understanding Research Compliance
• April 8 – Post-promotion: Now What?
• April 22 – Closing Out for the Year

A Learning Community for Academic Specialists

This learning community builds upon the Path to Promotion webinar and workshop series from spring 2024. In it, specialists from around MSU and across functional areas will gather to study the reappointment, award of continuing status, and promotion processes in the academic specialist appointment system.



Participate in the March 11 session from 3:30–4:30 p.m., focusing on “Using Evidence to Make Your Case.” 

Leadership Institute

The Leadership Institute series allows academic administrators to interact with their peers around key topics. This series of short sessions are designed to expand upon themes introduced at New Administrator Orientation. 

Participate in an upcoming session in March!

• Supporting Your Staff – March 14
• Engaging with Faculty and Academic Staff on Retirement – March 28

MSU Spring Talks: Teaching and Learning Knowledge Sharing

The Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation’s Spring Conference on teaching and learning is now MSU Spring TALKS! While the emphasis and scope of the event remain the same, this new name, which stands for Teaching And Learning Knowledge Sharing, more clearly defines the nature of the event’s focus on collaboration, conversation, and community building among MSU educators.



Save the date for May 7–8!

Ongoing Connection and Support

The Office of Faculty and Academic Staff Development works with all faculty, academic staff, and academic administrators at Michigan State University as they join the university, establish professional trajectories, and move through various stages of review, promotion, and growth. We offer and/or collaborate on a variety of structured workshops and small group opportunities throughout the year. 

Selected resources that may be helpful as you pursue your academic career at MSU can be found on our OFASD website. Find additional resources below!