Workshop Overview
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HideDescription and Goals
This workshop will bring graduate students and post-doctoral fellows interested in an academic career together with geoscience faculty members from different institutional settings who have a range of expertise and experience. The workshop will provide a stimulating and resource-rich environment in which to explore important facets of an academic career. Three main goals of the workshop are for participants to become more effective teachers, stronger candidates for academic jobs, and better prepared for a quick start to teaching and research in the next stage of their career.
During the workshop, each participant will- Learn about roles and responsibilities of faculty members in different educational settings (e.g., two-year colleges, four-year colleges, universities) and positions in other academic institutions (e.g., museums).
- Explore aspects of effective and innovative teaching.
- Design a research plan suitable for the next career stage.
- Learn about strategies for documenting strengths and accomplishments in teaching and research and develop or revise supporting materials.
- Learn more about the job-search process.
- Meet informally with other participants and with workshop leaders from a range of educational settings.
- Develop a self-inventory of preferred options for the next career stage and a personal action plan.
Activities
The workshop will include faculty panels on academic careers and the academic job search, short presentations on various topics, structured discussions, small-group collaboration, and informal interaction and conversation. Participants will leave with a broad understanding of academic options, specific strategies for developing as teachers and scholars and for meeting competing demands, and an expanded network of colleagues. Participants will participate in electronic discussion and preparation prior to the workshop to become familiar with key issues and concepts and will follow-through with post-workshop plans.
DatesThe workshop will begin on the evening of Thursday, August 2, and will conclude after dinner on Saturday, August 4. Optional workshops will be offered in the morning of Sunday, August 5.
ApplicationApplication must be made online by March 15, 2007. An important part of each application is a statement of endorsement from a faculty member. Please arrange to have this endorsement submitted using the on-line form no later than March 15. It is important that the email address in the application match that in the endorsement.
Selection Criteria and CostThe workshop size is limited. The final set of participants will be established with a goal of assembling a diverse and interactive group representing a range of experiences, educational environments, career aspirations, and specialties. Preference will be given to those entering or soon to enter the academic job market.
The operational costs of the workshop as well as room, board, and workshop materials are covered by a grant from the NSF Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE-0127310). Participants or their home institutions must provide transportation to and from the workshop. In cases of unusual hardship, we will be able to offer a few small stipends to help defray travel costs.
For more information about the workshops, including travel stipends, see general information for workshop participants.
FacilitiesThe workshop will be held at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Participants will be housed in dormitories and will eat meals on campus. Meal and lodging support begins Thursday evening, August 2 and ends Sunday morning, August 5. Persons wishing to arrive earlier or stay later will need to make their own arrangements.
Further InformationContact Heather Macdonald or Robyn Wright Dunbar for more information.