This year, the FDP program will have two distinct programming tracks: Professional Track Faculty programs and Tenure Track Faculty programs. Although the individual sessions are designed for target audiences, college faculty are welcomed to attend any session that might be of interest.

Also new this year is our virtual "Rise and Write" series, which will consist of weekly writing sessions for faculty looking to develop a regular writing habit with the support of other faculty in the college.

Participants who complete at least three FDP sessions or at least five writing sessions throughout the year will be eligible for a small number of fellowships to be awarded by the College for the NCFDD Faculty Success Program Fellowship (FSP)or Teaching Toolkit. Priority will be given to early career professional and tenure track faculty (i.e., pre-promotion). Mid-career faculty who have completed the FSP may apply for the NCFDD Post-tenure Pathfinders Program.

Those who have completed both the NCFDD FSP and Pathfinders programs are eligible to apply for a “service sabbatical” (i.e., one academic year with no service commitments), which includes a $5000 research/travel fund. Eligibility of the service sabbatical also requires the completion of at least three workshops or five writing sessions offered during the current academic year, and the application must be sent in by the NCFDD fellowships deadline.

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"Rise and Write" Series

Don't you wish you had time to make your research writing the priority it needs to be? We all do! Let the routine of these Rise and Write sessions help you focus and reclaim your time. Join us virtually every Friday morning, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. for structured, lightly interactive time to make progress on an article, book, or other extended project. You'll be surprised at the simple magic of setting a timer, gathering together (virtually), and protecting your focus from distractions.

RSVP for Fall 2025 Writing Sessions here
RSVP for Spring 2026 Writing Sessions here

Questions or suggestions? Please contact Program Leader: Dr. Hannah Rule (ruleh@mailbox.sc.edu)

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Professional Track Faculty Programs

The Professional Track Faculty program introduces participants to the resources of the NCFDD, as well as other practical tips and information to help faculty thrive in their careers. Sessions will cover a range of topics, including productivity, work-life balance, strategic planning, networking, and identifying good mentors.

Fall Semester 2025

Expand allMeet, Mingle, Motivate | Wed. 9/3 at 4:30 pm                                   

The Graduate, Trophy Room | Please join us to kickoff this year's faculty development series, where you'll connect with fellow participants, program leaders, and  McCausland College of Arts and Sciences leadership in a relaxed setting.

Cultivating Purpose and Belonging in the Classroom | Fri. 9/12 at 10:40 am 

Gambrell 429 |  This session focuses on ways to make students feel seen, valued, and engaged in the classroom. 

Faculty Resilience: Handling Student Feedback, Burnout, and Emotional Fatigue | Fri. 10/17 at 1:00 pm

Gambrell 429 |  This session provides an open, supportive, and safe space to acknowledge emotional fatigue while offering tools to navigate challenging moments while building resilience as a faculty member. 

Collaboration Without Burnout: Building Partnerships in Teaching and Service | Fri. 11/14 at 9:30 am

Gambrell 429 |  This session explores the power of creativity, collaboration, and partnerships to engage your students while using your resources wisely.   

RSVP for Fall Semester programs here

Spring Semester 2026

Expand allRethinking Teaching Innovation Without Reinventing the Wheel | Fri. 1/23 at 9:30 am

Gambrell 429 | This session invites faculty to share effective teaching strategies that spark student engagement without starting from scratch.

Developing a Path to Promotion as a Professional Track Faculty Member | Fri. 2/20 at 10:40 am

Gambrell 429 | This session offers conversation about navigating promotion as a professional track faculty member and preparing for what comes next.

Teaching Today's Students: Different Teaching Modalities, AI, Experiential Learning, Supporting Student Well-Being, and Resources | Fri. 3/20 at 11:50 am

Gambrell 429 | This session takes a holistic look at the "2026 Student" and how we can meet their needs using tools, empathy, and innovation.

Teaching Through Their Eyes: Understanding Student Course Evaluations | Fri. 4/17 at 1:00 pm

Gambrell 429 | This session explores what students are really saying in course evaluations and how we can use that feedback to grow as educators.

RSVP for Spring Semester programs here

Questions or suggestions? Please contact Program Leaders: Dr. Traci Dingle (TD34@mailbox.sc.edu) or Dr. Amy Taylor-Perry (taylora4@mailbox.sc.edu)

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Tenure Track Faculty Programs

The Tenure Track Faculty program introduces participants to the resources of the NCFDD, as well as other practical tips and information to help faculty thrive in their careers. Sessions will cover a range of topics, including productivity, work-life balance, strategic planning, networking, and identifying good mentors.

While all Tenure Track Faculty in the College are welcomed, pre-tenure faculty are especially encouraged to attend.

Fall Semester 2025

Expand allMeet, Mingle, Motivate | Wed. 9/3 at 4:30 pm

The Graduate, Trophy Room | Please join us to kickoff this year's faculty development series, where you'll connect with fellow participants, program leaders, and  McCausland College of Arts and Sciences leadership in a relaxed setting.

Foundations First: Program Goals and Mentorship Reflections | Tues. 9/23 at 2:00 pm 

Gambrell 429 | In this session, we will dig a bit deeper into the goals of the program and have you begin taking stock of your mentorship network.

Goals in Gear | Thurs. 10/23 at 3:00 pm

Gambrell 429 | In this session, we will discuss cultivating meaningful professional goals, crafting realistic semester/academic year plans, and troubleshooting common roadblocks that derail progress.

Becoming the Mentor they Need | Wed. 11/19 at 10:30 am

Gambrell 429 | Join us for a practical session on building effective mentoring relationships that support your students’ growth, well-being, and success. Whether you’re new to mentoring or looking to refine your approach, this session will offer strategies you can use right away.

RSVP for Fall Semester programs here

Spring Semester 2026

Expand allDemystifying the Tenure and Promotion Process | Tues. 1/27 at 2:00 pm

Gambrell 429 | Come gain a clearer understanding of the tenure and promotion process. This session will break down the process, clarify expectations, and offer strategies to help you prepare with confidence.

Delivering the Goods: Preparing Effective Book and/or Grant Proposals | Thurs. 2/26 at 3:00 pm

Gambrell 429 | Join us for a session tailored to help you craft successful proposals that align with disciplinary expectations. Learn how to frame your research for maximum impact and take the next step toward securing key deliverables.

Owning your Narrative | Wed. 3/25 at 10:30 am

Gambrell 429 | Come discover some strategies to present your accomplishments within the tenure and promotion process, with a focus on communicating the value of your work effectively against the backdrop of unit criteria.

Fueling your Future (and your Appetite) | Wed. 4/22 at 11:30 am

Gambrell 429 | Don't miss our last session, where we will provide lunch, debrief the series, and offer insights into aligning your research agenda with what truly motivates you to sustain your momentum and shape a fulfilling academic career.

RSVP for Spring Semester programs here

Questions or suggestions? Please contact Program Leaders: Dr. Jonathan Edwards (edwardsjj@mailbox.sc.edu) or Dr. Amanda Fairchild (afairchi@mailbox.sc.edu)

General Program Comments or Suggestions?