FDS Newsletter

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

Dear Faculty Relations: My students are required to complete academic writing assignments as part of their course assignments. Students ask if they can use AI to complete them. Is this an appropriate path? —I have AI anxiety

Dear Faculty Relations: Everyone here is a gossip. It’s causing me to avoid the office. Is there anything I can do? —Distrustful

Dear Faculty Relations: You may recall my note from last year. I reached out in a bit of a panic in July because I felt, once again, like I was coming up short in terms of summer productivity. I’m being proactive this time – reaching out as the semester ends. I’m still worried, though, that I’ll feel bad about my productivity come August. I would love advice on how to set myself up for a successful summer. —Making the Most of My Summe​r

Dear Faculty Relations: I have a colleague who has been increasingly hostile to me. They have sent upsetting emails and have engaged in some aggressive personal interactions. I’ve tried to defuse the situation, but nothing is changing. I have to continue working with this individual, but the situation is getting increasingly worse. What can I do? —Feeling Overwhelmed

Dear Faculty Relations: I am a faculty member engaged in research, teaching, and service activities. Most days, it is a struggle to stay afloat. Recently, a colleague mentioned that I need to have a social media presence and brand myself and my research online. Why should I care about having a social media account? —Your Anti-Social Media Professor