Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) is a national program established by the Council of Graduate Schools, the Association of American Colleges and Universities, the Pew Charitable Trust and the National Science Foundation. The core objectives of the PFF program are:

• To better prepare participants for all aspects of their faculty careers including teaching, research, and service.

• To provide participants with an in-depth look at successful faculty careers and to reflect on their own pursuits in this context.

• To provide participants with credentialing for a diverse and competitive academic job market.

PFF at USC is administered through a partnership between the Center for Teaching Excellence and the Graduate School. PFF is designed to help graduate students, those who want to teach at the college level, in their professional development. It provides a mechanism by which graduate students may receive credentials which reflect initiative and experience toward becoming future faculty. For more information about PFF benefits and goals, click here.

How do I participate?
At any time during your graduate program you may apply and begin documenting activities toward the PFF credential. A PFF credential will be issued upon completion of significant PFF-related experiences (determined by a point system) and e-portfolio review. Credentials will be presented at Graduate Student Day during the spring semester. It is easy to participate:

1. Apply

2. Review Activities Checklist

3. Reflect

Whom do I contact?
Ruth Patterson
Program Manager for Graduate Initiatives and Outreach
Center for Teaching Excellence
ruthp@sc.edu
803-777-7577