New Faculty Development Program
Program Overview
The Â鶹ÊÓƵ New Faculty Development Program (NFD) supports newly hired, full-time instructors to design and teach student-centered courses using instructional practices and engagement strategies grounded in equity, diversity, and access. NFD engages faculty in professional learning experiences focused on designing and delivering instruction that contributes to student engagement, achievement, and success in an inclusive environment. Additionally, the program provides opportunities for faculty members to collaborate and learn with colleagues within and across disciplines and locations.
Who Participates in NFD?
Instructors who are newly hired, permanent, and full-time are required to complete the New Faculty Development Program, regardless of experience or education. Exceptions may be given by the vice president for Academic Affairs based on a recommendation from the dean of instruction and department chair. Newly hired, temporary, full-time instructors may be invited to participate. Adjunct instructors are invited to enroll in offered by the Center for Creative Instruction and Technology.
Program Details
The New Faculty Development Program directly supports the ability of newly hired instructors to design and teach student-centered courses. Program components are listed below.
Instructors will complete the NFD program in one academic year as a cohort. The program components are described below:
The NFD program will be explained, and participants will meet each other and the mentors. This session will be offered at the beginning of each semester (fall and spring). Participants are only required to attend one session and a video recording will be available.
The next step is to identify your strengths and areas of improvement related to teaching. We suggest you complete the Self-Evaluation Worksheet (PDF) for this purpose. Then, you will outline your goals for growth as an instructor throughout the NFD Program. This process will enable you to devise a professional development plan based on your specific needs. Work with your mentor and department chair to set goals and be sure to include them on your performance evaluation. The NFD Individual Plan Part 1 (.docx) will be completed by each participant during the first month of employment.
Coursework: NFD participants will complete all coursework outlined below.
IDT G10 - Foundations of Effective Teaching
- Create an inclusive and effective learning ecosystem
- Integrate Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and a backward design approach
- Design engaging unit plans
- Cultivate reflective practices
- Improve teaching practice
- Support diverse learners
IDT G15: Collaborative Teaching Practices
- Create a collaborative teaching ecosystem
- Learn to foster student engagement and inclusivity
- Analyze data and reflect on feedback
- Collaborate with peers to refine instructional practices
- Utilize observation, lesson planning and teamwork to develop strategies for continuous improvement and impactful, inclusive teaching
IDT G19: Teaching for Inclusion: Accessible Course Design
- Examine requirements, challenges, and concepts related to accessibility
- Implement the principles of Universal Design for Learning
- Learn to use online accessibility tools and resources to design, develop, and deliver accessible digital content
- Explore strategies for integrating accessibility into their teaching practices
- Create an inclusive learning environment for all students
IDT G20: Learning Experience Design
- Design human-centered learning environments that align with the foundations of Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI)
- Develop an instructional unit integrating interactive learning design strategies to personalize learning
- Reflect on the learning design process to continuously improve instructional effectiveness
The course plan, shown below, demonstrates the one-year timeline for course completion. All IDT courses will be delivered online by CCIT during the first and second seven weeks of each semester.
Academic Year 2025 - 26 Course Plan Timeline*
- Fall 2025 Semester: August 25-December 7
- August 11: 10-month faculty return
- August 25 - October 12: IDT G10, Foundations of Effective Teaching; IDT G19, Teaching for Inclusion: Accessible Course Design
- October 20 - December 7: IDT G15, IDT G15, Collaborative Teaching Practices; IDT G20, Learning Experience Design
- Spring 2026 Semester: January 12 - May 3
- January 6: Faculty return
- January 12 - March 1: IDT G10, Foundations of Effective Teaching; IDT G19, Teaching for Inclusion: Accessible Course Design
- March 16 - May 3: IDT G15, Collaborative Teaching Practices; IDT G20, Learning Experience Design
* The course offering dates are approximated and subject to change.
Each NFD participant will complete at least one observation of another instructor and be observed teaching once each semester.
The capstone for NFD is a presentation that highlights completion of the program objectives. The presentation should focus on professional growth since beginning the NFD program and be related to one’s teaching experience at the College. The administrative intern for professional development will facilitate an optional workshop each semester to support faculty as they prepare for the capstone. View . You will present to the following campus personnel: dean of instruction, assistant dean of instruction, department chair, and mentor. Other members of the College community may be invited to attend as well. Progress will be documented by the NFD participant using Part 2 of the New Faculty Development Individual Plan (.docx) .
Additional Training
Additional training may be offered to help you understand the College and campus. The topics may include academic advisement, accreditation, and assessment. You may also have opportunities to meet with other new faculty to share successes and challenges.