FDS Newsletter

Dear Faculty Relations: I’ve heard from my international colleagues that they often feel isolated and invisible as they navigate the US higher education system, learn unspoken departmental norms and expectations, and develop new professional and personal relationships while living far away from friends and family. What can I do to make my department a more inclusive space for international faculty? —Inclusive Colleague

Dear Faculty Relations: May is here and I feel like a candle burned to the end. But I committed to writing two book chapters this summer. Help! —Burned Out

Dear Faculty Relations: I recently commenced my journey down the tenure track and aspire towards a successful tenure review. How do I chart my course? —Navigating Towards Tenure

Dear Faculty Relations: I’ve heard that our obligation to provide accommodations to students for religious observances has changed recently. Can you give me an update so I can do what is needed? —I Want to Get It Right

Dear Faculty Relations: Do I have impostor syndrome, or am I just lacking confidence? I feel like I don't belong. —Stressed Out 

Dear Faculty Relations: Help! I got my FCQs back, and they are awful. What do I do?! —Unlucky and NOT in Love (with my FCQs)

Dear Faculty Relations: When I joined the faculty at CU Boulder, I was assigned a mentor by my department, but although they were well-intentioned, they didn’t know how to provide the kind of support I needed as an early-career professor. Now that I have been here for several years, I want to be a mentor to others, but I’m not sure how best to support them. What advice do you have to be a great faculty mentor? —Want to Pay It Forward

Dear Faculty Relations: A surprising number of dogs are in my classroom this semester. I’m unsure if I can ask students about them or how to manage these additional “students.” What can I do? —Not a Dog-Sitter

Dear Faculty Relations: How can I meet other faculty across campus? I feel alone sometimes and would like to engage with other faculty outside my unit, but I'm not sure how. Can you help? —Alone in Atlas

Dear Faculty Relations: When I was hired several years ago, I sat in my new office alone. The first week I thought everyone was too busy to say hello, but as the semester went on, not one person ever stopped by to welcome me. This year there is a new faculty member in our department, and I want to be sure that the same thing doesn’t happen. What can I do to welcome my new colleague warmly? —Collegial Colleague