Dean’s Faculty Fellows Program
College of Sciences Interim Dean John Blondin is pleased to invite applications for the Dean’s Faculty Fellows Program for the academic year 2023-24.
The program is designed for current College of Sciences faculty who are interested in learning more about college administration, in developing their skills as faculty leaders, and in working closely with colleagues on projects that are meaningful to the college. One or more faculty fellows will be selected and their departments will be provided with 25% salary release funds to cover the time commitment required for participation. Fellowships are for the full 2023-24 academic year.
About the Program
Fellows will first be asked to work with their potential mentors prior to the fall semester to finalize roles and projects that will be conducted with the guidance of no more than two mentors. Mentors will be associate deans, and project areas should be of mutual interest to the Fellow and mentor(s) and result in a specific product (or set of products) that contribute to or advance the work of the Dean’s Office relative to a goal or goals in COS’s strategic plan. Fellows will be expected to meet weekly with their mentor or co-mentors.
Fellows will be engaged in college leadership activities ranging from attending COS Leadership meetings to leading a project/workgroup or other activities that are relevant to the Fellows’ areas of interest. Fellows may also have the opportunity to shadow the Dean or other COS leaders in meetings or other activities that are relevant to the Fellows’ areas of interest or to their project area. They will also have the opportunity to participate in individual leadership coaching conversations with select senior leaders if desired.
All selected fellows will participate in assigned training and professional development workshops aimed at improving their knowledge and skills relevant to academic leadership. These workshops will include topics such as Organizational Culture, Emotional Intelligence, Conflict Management and Strategy Analysis.
Who may apply?
Applicants must be full-time (0.75 FTE or greater) faculty at the rank of associate or full professor in any track. Applicants should have an interest in academic leadership, be that at the department, college or university level. Applicants must have the support of their department head to apply, and must be willing to commit approximately 25% time over the course of the fellowship period to fellowship activities, including their project.
What are the expectations for selected Dean’s Fellows?
Fellows will be expected to:
- Meet approximately weekly with their mentor(s)
- Attend relevant meetings as identified in collaboration with their mentor(s)
- Complete project deliverables on time
- Participate in leadership development opportunities
- Attend shadowing sessions with college leadership
- Attend all professional development sessions
- Devote 0.25 FTE effort to the Fellows Program, including projects and training.
What is the application process?
Applicants should submit a single file (Word, PDF or Google Docs files are all acceptable) via email to John Blondin by 5 p.m. on February 15, 2023. The application should include a statement of career goals and interest in academic leadership, not more than two pages long, and a CV. Applicants should ask their department head to email a statement of support to the dean.
What is the program timeline?
- Applications are due via email by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, February 15, 2023.
- Selected Fellows will be notified no later than March 1, 2023.
- Fellows will work with COS leaders to identify mentors/goals during spring 2023.
- Fellowships will begin in August 2023.
- Fellowships end May 2024 and project outcomes presented to COS leadership.