Refinding Center

Marilyn Amey

Assistant Provost for Faculty and Academic Staff Development

Coming back from spring break, we always seem to feel a mix of emotions. Perhaps some renewed perspective following a bit of time away, recognition that some things on the extensive to-do list will still get done and some likely will not, and a bit of wondering, "how am I really doing and how would I know?" The state of uncertainty that often accompanies the last part of the academic year is made greater for many by circumstances in the world beyond our control. Shades of recent spring terms passed come to mind, and finding focus and clarity is often a challenge...

Specific opportunities coming up for networking with OFASD include Academic Lunch and Learn Sessions around topics of interest as well as Leadership sessions around different roles and responsibilities. 

Academic Lunch & Learn Sessions

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. 

March 25 – Understanding Research Compliance with Greg Swain

Upcoming Leadership Sessions

As we move through March, preparations for the end of the spring semester are wrapping up, and planning for the next academic year is well underway. With so many decisions being made, this is a crucial time for leaders to pause and ensure that their choices not only align with institutional strategic goals but are also grounded in equitable and ethical practices.

To achieve this, leaders must take the time to understand both the needs of the people they serve and the institutional systems they navigate. In some cases, this requires rethinking the role of leadership itself — considering how leaders’ work fits into broader institutional contexts.

April 10 – Transforming Institutions by Leading Generously

On April 10, Kathleen Fitzpatrick, interim associate dean in the College of Arts & Letters, will share key concepts from her research, and a panel of campus leaders will discuss how these ideas apply to their own work during the Exploring Academic Leadership Session: Transforming Institutions by Leading Generously. In her recent book, “Leading Generously: Tools for Transformation,” Kathleen highlights the importance of fostering innovation and collaboration among academic leaders as a pathway to institutional transformation.

April 18 – Promoting Institutional Equity: The Role of Individual Responsibility and Organizational Accountability

On April 18, Jabbar Bennett, vice president and chief diversity officer, will lead a discussion on Promoting Institutional Equity: The Role of Individual Responsibility and Organizational Accountability as part of our Leadership Institute series. All of this can feel overwhelming — especially for those new to leadership roles — as the to-do list often feels endless. However, many experienced leaders have developed models to help apply equitable, ethical, and inclusive principles in daily leadership practice. 

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

2024-2025 All-University Awards

Spring is a time when many units recognize outstanding contributions made by members of our community. In the spirit of supporting a Culture of Recognition, we draw attention to the All-University Awards facilitated by Katie Rundblad, coordinator of Faculty Awards and Recognition.

In each case, nominees and those who are being honored represent outstanding achievements and excellence in their respective areas. We also give a huge shout-out to the committee members who took time to review the many fulsome files and to the numerous persons who took time to write nomination dossiers to recognize their colleagues.

Congratulations to those selected for an All-University Award! Awardees will be honored at the All-University Awards Ceremony, Monday, April 7.

View the full slate of winners via the button below! For questions regarding the event, please contact the Provost Events team at provostevents@msu.edu.

Reminder! University Distinguished Professor Nominations

The designation of University Distinguished Professor (UDP) is highly honorific, and we in Faculty and Academic Staff Development invite you to review the materials and consider nominating your colleagues. More information is available here.

Nominations are due by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.  

If you have questions about UDP, please contact Katie Rundblad at rundblad@msu.edu.

EVENTS

A Learning Community for Academic Specialists

Academic Specialist Reappointment, Continuing Status, and Promotion Workshop

April 9, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Brody Cafeteria

The Academic Specialist Advisory Committee is hosting its second annual Academic Specialist Reappointment, Continuing Status, and Promotion Workshop. Representatives from the specialist community will be on hand to provide mentoring and feedback to specialists preparing to submit reappointment, promotion, or award of continuing status dossiers. Bring your Specialist Position Description, specific criteria for promotion, and unit evaluation procedures (provided at the time of appointment), along with any materials (drafts, outlines, ideas) for review and discussion.



Registration is required!

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!