It is my pleasure to announce the University of Missouri New Faculty Teaching Scholars (NFTS) program for 2008 2009. This exciting UM program for new faculty now in its eighth year has been highly regarded by participants from the past seven years.
The NFTS program is designed to support faculty as they adjust to their new academic responsibilities and environments, to familiarize them with methods used by effective teachers, and to build collegiality. The program is dedicated to promoting the success of new faculty members by providing support through campus monthly programs and system-wide retreats.
The system-wide retreats provide new faculty members with an opportunity to attend workshops facilitated by nationally known scholars. New faculty members will build an academic portfolio to portray their academic lives and achievements, go through the process of developing a course, and learn a variety of college teaching methods to create engaged learning environments. Scholars will have the chance to build collegial relationships with other new faculty members from a variety of disciplines from all four UM campuses.
The campus monthly programs provide participants an opportunity to meet fellow new faculty members from a variety of disciplines across campus. Panelists and facilitators provide information and lead discussions on a variety of topics including teaching with technology, fostering critical thinking, balancing the many aspects of academic life, and enhancing student engagement.
The New Faculty Teaching Scholars program is a truly innovating and exciting effort. NFTS alumni have indicated that the NFTS program helped them form teaching and research alliances that create a sense of belonging and foster opportunities for collaboration. I encourage you to participate or nominate a new faculty member. If you have questions about the nomination process or the New Faculty Teaching Scholars program, please contact the program director on your campus.
Sincerely,
Steve Graham
Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs - University of Missouri
New Faculty Teaching Scholars Program
309 University Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
(573) 884-1878
