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What is Fac. Dev.?
Definitions
Program Types
For Administrators
POD Main Page

What is Faculty Development?

Faced with the twin dilemmas of a static or declining financial base and a changing student population, institutions of higher education have to do more with less while still maintaining the quality of life which leads to the growth and learning of all involved. Many institutions have responded to the challenge by establishing programs of faculty, instructional and/or organizational development. 

While the specific uses of the term often overlap, the common goal of these programs has been to develop the potential of the existing resources and structures of institutions by viewing and using them in creative ways. These resources include the faculty and staff, the courses and programs, all of which can become self-renewing once we become aware of the possibilities. 

Although a traditional interpretation of the term "faculty development" has been the use of sabbaticals, research grants, funding to attend professional meetings, and so on, many institutions are expanding that interpretation to include a wider range of activities.

Click on the "Definitions" folder to the left to view the POD Network's definition of faculty development. Click on the "Program Types" folder to view descriptions of various faculty development models. If your institution is considering establishing a faculty development program, click on the "For Administrators" folder to see how the POD Network may be able to assist in this endeavor. 
 
Note that the "What is Faculty Development?" folder to the left is open. If you click on the closed folders, you will be transported to other information about faculty development. If you click on the bottom folder, you will return to the home page again.


Last updated July, 2000