The middle-career stage, the time between earning tenure and verbalizing a retirement timeline, can be the longest and most challenging stage for many faculty. Professional satisfaction and growth can result from attention and deliberation, but the time or energy to nurture one’s mid-career goals can be scarce.
The weekend workshop will provide structured time for faculty to reflect on the middle stage of their career. Attendees will discuss relevant materials and participate in activities aimed at developing a plan to enhance one’s mid-career. The workshop will give individuals time to set goals, shape strategies and identify future professional opportunities related to teaching, scholarship and service. Participants also will listen, question and encourage each other’s emerging agenda. Ultimately, each participant will create an individualized, action-oriented plan for the next 3 to 5 years.
The workshop also will enlarge the participants’ network of colleagues at other Consortium campuses and in other disciplines, which may lead to collaboration or continued conversations regarding professional development.
Workshop leader Dr. Pamela Kittelson, Professor of Biology at Gustavus Adolphus College, has directed several programs related to faculty professional develpment.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND ATTEND?
Middle-career faculty from Midstates Consortium schools are encourage to apply. Faculty who have received tenure but not yet started to formalize their retirement timeline are considered as mid-career. Participant backgrounds will include the physical and biological sciences, mathematics, computer science and psychology. Given the small-group nature of many of the activities, enrollment is limited to approximately 20 participants.
Click here for link to Mid-career application
Admission is rolling and the deadline is midnight (EST) on May 15, 2023. The Consortium is committed to broad, equitable participation of member schools. Each member school will have two open spots initially and the first two applications from the school will be considered first. If not all campuses use their two spots, the remaining spots will be allocated to applicants from other campuses. As such, early application is encouraged. You will be notified of the status of your application no later than May 19, 2023.
TRAVEL AND SCHEDULE:
The workshop will take place on Friday, June 16. The Consortium will reimburse travel expenses, and provide lodging at Gustavus Adolphus College and meals from Thursday evening arrival through early Saturday departure. A stipend of $200.00 will be issued to each attendee.
Contact Midstates Director Ed Hansen (midstatesdirector@gmail.com) with any questions about the application or the workshop. Midstates Assistant Ann Schutt (midstatesassistant@gmail.com) can provide information on travel, lodging and meals.