First-Year Faculty Acculturation Research Updates will be posted here occasionally with most recent updates first.
July 2023, RID Conferences, Baltimore, MD.
Challenges and Opportunities of First-Year Faculty Members: Are you ready for your first year as a faculty member?
Click image or here for a PDF of the poster.
Introduction to Faculty Acculturation
This study examines first-year faculty member’s experiences through the lens of the Faculty Acculturation Model (FAM) (author, under review). FAM depicts the employment cycle of a faculty member from initial employment, socialization to requirements and expectations, and evaluation.
Methodology & Methods
A pragmatic, constructivist epistemology frames this study. The participants and I co-created understanding of the acculturation experience as I guided participants through lessons and activities to assist in their acclimation and acculturation to academia. Interpretive Description (ID) methodology aligns with the epistemological frame. The study included 10 participants, who are full-time, first-year faculty members in baccalaureate granting institutions. Participants represent a range of demographic characteristics and professional backgrounds. Employment settings included a range of institution types, geographic area, and position type. Data were collected over a 10 month period via one-on-one interviews, questionnaires, and group coaching sessions.
November 13, 2022
The study is well underway. We have 9 participants from across the United States. Participants work in a range of fields and institution types.
They’ve completed multiple surveys, a one-on-one interview, and attended a group coaching session.
The undergraduate research assistant is learning the ins and outs of typing transcripts. A few things she saw in the interviews she’s transcribing intrigued her. So, now she’s reading more about those topics.
It’s time to find out what First-Year faculty face as they acclimate to academic culture.
Do any of these describe your situation right now:
- First year faculty in a college or university
- Want to know what it takes to succeed in this position
- A little unsure about what to expect this year
I get it! I’ve been there. I want you and all of the future faculty members to experience a smooth transition process.
I’ve designed a research study to better understand your experience.
The study uses my Faculty Acculturation Model to frame the experience of settling into academic life. Over the course of the academic year, I’ll share components of the model with participants and we will have group coaching calls to address participants’ experiences.
What you’ll Experience
Monthly Content
Each month you’ll receive content tailored to participants’ needs and season of the academic year. We’ll begin September with self-identification and discovery. In October and November we’ll discuss expectations and how to manage them. We’ll also touch on record keeping and strategic planning.
Interviews
Three times during the year you’ll participate in a one-on-one interview with the lead researcher to learn more about your first-year faculty acculturation experience. Each interview will last about an hour.
Questionnaires
Participants will complete a monthly survey about their experiences as first-year faculty members. Responses to the surveys will guide the group coaching sessions. Each survey will take 10-20 minutes.
Group Coaching
Group coaching sessions will take place once per month via zoom. During these hour-long sessions, participants will set the agenda and will explore topics relevant to the season of the academic year and their professional development.
Hi, I’m Dr. Kimberly Hale!
I’m the principal investigator of this study.
I’ve successfully navigated academia to become a tenured, associate professor. Currently, I’m a first-year faculty at Oklahoma State University, where this study has been approved (IRB-22-318).
Information Sessions:
Click here for an ASL Info Session, Aug 23 or 25, 3:30 PM Eastern.
Click here for an English Info Session, Aug 23 or 25, 2:00 PM Eastern.
The inclusion criteria for the study:
1) Full-time faculty during the 2022-2023 academic year in a college or university offering BA or higher degree programs.
2) First year as a full-time faculty at the institution – even if you’ve worked there before in other capacities.
3) You’re over 18 years old
4) You’ll be in the United States during the study year Sept 2022 – May 2023)
To complete a screening form to participate in the First-Year Faculty Acculturation study and receive additional information and enrollment paperwork, please complete the Screening form. You must answer yes to all questions to enter your email and receive additional information. If the embedded form gives you any trouble you can access the original form here: Complete this Screening Form.
Thank you for your interest in this research study.
☑️ You’ll meet with Dr. Hale to get all of your questions answered!
☑️ You’ll get specific details about each individual and group component of the study.
☑️ You’ll get an invitation to participate.