This presentation is the second to result from my First-Year Faculty Study. I presented this at the POD Network Conference in Pittsburgh, PA, November 18, 2023.

Access the Presentation Slides

Study Framework: Faculty Acculturation Model

My Faculty Acculturation Model frames this study (Hale, in press). New faculty do not come into their new full-time positions knowing what is expected and how to achieve it. This model explains how faculty members create perceptions of the requirements and then attempt to match their productivity to the value system within their employment context.

Research Question

This presentation primarily focused on the program component of the socialization and influence process. What do first-year faculty want from programs designed to assist them with their positions?

Methods

Ten first-year, full-time faculty at institutions across the United States participated in the study. Participants worked in Baccalaureate through Research institutions. I collected data individual interviews (aim 3 per participant), surveys, and group coaching sessions (10) across the course of the academic year.

Results

The results showed faculty preferred programs to have:

• pragmatic, obvious take-aways;
• time to discuss their pressing issues, even if it wasn’t on the official agenda; and
• support connecting with important offices across campus.

Discussion

Tweaks to the format of development activities may lead to increased faculty engagement.