Changing seasons, changing clocks

As the academic calendar progresses, the seasons change, and we observe the campus and its surroundings transforming with the weather. With the cooler temperatures, we're reaching for warmer clothing and indulging in hot drinks. We were happy to see some of you join us for our first virtual faculty chat. We chatted, swapped stories about our coffee mugs, and got a fascinating introduction to one of our faculty members' use of gamification in learning (stay tuned to emails from the Office for Teaching and Learning for more on this next semester). We hope to see more of you at future faculty chats, coffee optional.

What else can we do with the changing seasons? Maybe find your local cider mill or visit one of our many Michigan state parks to check out the remaining Fall colors. Remember, along with the seasons, the clocks will change this weekend: daylight saving time ends on the first Sunday in November. If that stresses you out as much as it does us, consider taking an Online SKY Happiness Program, free of charge, thanks to a CLAS Social Justice Grant.

Also, remember that Tuesday, Nov. 5, is a Federal Election Holiday, and the University will be closed. Our students have been crushing it lately when it comes to engaging with our democratic system, so let's follow suit: get out and vote if you haven't done so by mail already or with the newly available in-person early voting. If you'll be busy on election day, find out where you can vote early on the Secretary of State's website. If you haven't registered yet, you can register at any time up to 8 p.m. on Election Day at your city or township clerk’s office.

Also, as a reminder, there are no classes on Wednesday, Nov. 27, and the University will be closed Thursday, Nov. 28-Saturday, Nov. 30.

An important survey on equity

Wayne State University, in partnership with other regional institutions, has received funding from the National Science Foundation to work toward building inclusive and equitable work cultures that attract, retain, and advance faculty. The STEM Intersectional Equity in Departments (SIEDS) team invites all full-time faculty members to participate in a survey, which you have probably already received on or around Oct. 15. The survey will gather your opinions and observations on faculty assessment, work/family/life, and leadership opportunities. The email will have been marked "external" and come from Miami University, likely from Yue Li. If you did not find this survey in your inbox, take a moment to look in your Spam or Clutter. Thank you for participating; we know your time is valuable.

Coming up this month

Intro to academic advising | New faculty seminar series

For anyone interested in learning more about academic advising, this session at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, will explore advising as a profession, its key competencies and values, the primary responsibilities of advisors, and how advising is currently structured at Wayne State University. Learn ways faculty can support the advisor(s) in their department, school, or college, and more.

International opportunities for new faculty | New faculty seminar series

Learn about international opportunities for new faculty during International Education Week, Nov. 18-22. In this virtual session at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19, learn what opportunities are available within OIP, including faculty-led study abroad programs, collaborative online international learning (COIL) projects, the Fulbright program, and ways to globalize courses and programs.

Upcoming deadlines

Click the name of the program for more details and to apply:

Part-Time Faculty Professional Grant Program (Deadline: Nov. 15, 2024)
University Research Grant (Deadline: Nov. 15, 2024)
Board of Governors Faculty Recognition Award (Deadline: Dec. 1, 2024)
Career Development Chair (Deadline: Dec. 1, 2024)
Community Engagement Award (Deadline: Dec. 1, 2024)
Murray E. Jackson University Creative Scholar in the Arts Award (Deadline: Dec. 13, 2024)
Faculty Professional Development Program (Next Deadline: Dec. 15)

Coming up at the NCFDD

4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8 | LIVE ON ZOOM: Weekly Wrap-Up: Reflections & Planning for Success
Join the NCFDD for a next-week planning meeting to wrap up your week and plan your next one.

10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12 | LIVE ON ZOOM: Virtual Writing Session
Join the NCFDD for your daily writing session; they'll be live on Zoom to write together in community and reflect on how the session went.

2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 | How to Manage Stress, Rejection & the Haters in Your Midst
This session is designed to help individuals combat stress and negativity often associated with academic life, focusing on areas such as the rejection of grants and articles. It offers insights into the impact of untreated stress and teaches practical strategies for managing physical, emotional, and attitudinal stress effects.

2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 | LIVE ON ZOOM: Beyond Burnout: Faculty Well-Being: Individual and Institutional Approaches
Part 1 of a multi-week course: in this webinar, NCFDD will explore faculty and staff well-being, focusing on burnout. Learn to identify burnout and its effects, and apply strategies centered on purpose, compassion, connection, and balance to improve well-being.

2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19 | LIVE ON ZOOM: Mentoring Matters: Putting Programs into Action
Mentoring is crucial for faculty success, job satisfaction, and career growth. Join this 75-minute panel to learn how three universities have built successful mentoring programs. Panelists will share tips for launching and leading programs, followed by a Q&A session.

Sara Kacin, Assistant Provost
Faculty Development & Faculty Success
If you have questions, please reach out to FacultySuccess@wayne.edu.