Faculty Affairs Newsletter
Volume 8 Issue 5
photo of Provost Lundgren
CAFE logo (Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence)



Accepting Applications for the Director of CAFE 




We are excited to announce that the Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence (CAFE) is accepting applications for its inaugural full-time director.

This will be an internal search; details about the scope of responsibility, minimum and preferred qualifications, and how to apply are attached.  Applications will be accepted until January 15, 2024, and we anticipate holding search committee meetings with finalists at the start of the spring semester.  The appointment will begin over the summer or at the start of the fall 2024 semester.

Questions about the search can be directed to Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, Diane Filion, at filiond@umkc.edu.

If you are passionate about faculty development, please review the position requirements and consider submitting an application!
Position Description and Application Instructions
Event Opportunities
Dr. Virginia Blanton


CAFE Conversations: Fulbright Scholar Virginia Blanton in Belgium 

Dr. Virginia Blanton, University of Missouri Curators’ Distinguished Professor in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, will join us from Belgium (via Zoom) where she is currently serving as Fulbright Scholar.  Ginny is at the Ruusbroec Institute in Antwerp and is researching the work of English nuns who sought refuge in Catholic Flanders during the Protestant Reformation. Ginny will share her insights as a Fulbright Scholar, her experiences collaborating with colleagues at the Ruusbroec Institute, and her adventures living in Belgium. 
Join us in the Faculty Commons, Newcomb Hall for snacks and a conversation with Ginny on Wednesday, November 27th at Noon
Pilot Mentorship Program 
CAFE is launching a pilot mentorship program and looking for the first cohort of mentees! The program aims to provide faculty from all ranks with a support system focused on both personal and professional development. The goal of the program is to embody engagement in everyday best practices through building relationships and creating an opportunity for connection. Mentees will be paired with a mentor based on goals and shared interests in areas including development needs, areas of expertise, and preferred amount and method of mentorship communication. Mentee/mentor pairs will meet throughout the spring semester.
If interested in participating as a mentee, please sign up by clicking below.
Apply to be a Mentee
call for proposals

Make a Presentation at the Spring 2024 CAFE Conference


Friday, January 12th, 2024, Kauffman Conference Center


Please take this opportunity to collaborate with interested colleagues in a conference hosted by the UMKC Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence.  Offering a session at the CAFE 2024 Spring Conference provides an opportunity to build your professional network amongst colleagues and friends. Presenting a content-rich session individually or as part of a team is a wonderful way to share knowledge, experiences, and engage in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. The conference's community-generated program will showcase future directions, best practices, success in research endeavors, stories of successful collaborations, lessons learned, and solutions to community-wide issues. We welcome your submission!

Proposals Due December 5, 2023
Submit a Proposal
Register to Attend the Conference
Peer Observation Program
Apply to have your Course Observed through the CAFE Peer Observation Program 

The Peer Observation Program is in its second year at UMKC and will be conducted in both fall 23 and spring 24 semesters. This program is designed to promote teaching development through creation of a collaborative partnership between the faculty member being observed (the Observee) and a trained Observer. Observees can choose to identify a specific area of focus for their observation or ask for a more generalized observation. 

Learn more about the Peer Observation Program

Applications due: January 29, 2024 
Observations take place between Feb. 5 and April 22, 2024 

Apply to be an Observee
Faculty Yoga
Join the UMKC Faculty Yoga Series

Faculty Yoga is now meeting every Thursday, 4-5pm, through the end of the semester. Please join us and spread the word!

UMKC Faculty Commons (Newcomb Hall, 3rd Floor) 

To register in advance, please make a monetary donation of any amount to the Roo Pantry. Send confirmation to nallye@umkc.edu. You may also register by making a donation in person using cash or Venmo. 

Bring a mat, comfortable clothes, and a friend! 

This weekly series is led by UMKC Faculty Member and Registered Yoga Teacher (500 hours) Dr. Thiagarajan Ganesh. Classes are Thursdays while school is in session through December 14th. We will resume in late January.
Navigating Public-Facing Scholarship with Dr. Clancy Martin: Opportunities Beyond Academia

Dr. Clancy Martin is a renowned scholar and University of Missouri Curators’ Distinguished Professor in the Department of Political Science and Philosophy at UMKC. His research spans social and behavioral health ethics, including suicide prevention, addiction treatment, and therapeutic storytelling. With over 10 published books on diverse philosophical topics, he has been featured in prominent publications and won prestigious awards, like the Guggenheim Fellowship.

Dr. Martin encourages scholars to engage with wider audiences through public-facing scholarship, such as op-eds, blogs, podcasts, and community talks. This approach is increasingly valued in academia and job markets, aiding in tenure, grant acquisition, and book contracts. He offers guidance on reshaping academic work, identifying opportunities, refining pitches, and adopting media-friendly writing styles.

To explore this transformative territory, reserve a consultation with Dr. Martin. Simply sign up, share your ideas, and receive a calendar invitation within a day.
Reserve a Consultation Time
Opportunities to Share with Your Students
on campus internship program
On Campus Internship Program

For the 2023-2024 academic year, UMKC's Career Services has launched a pilot On-Campus Internship Program to provide paid on-campus internships for students during the fall and spring semesters.  
 
All campus departments are invited to request a funded internship position through this program. To be considered, an Internship Job Description form must be submitted. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. After a position is approved, the internship will be posted in Handshake for students to view and apply.  
 
Interested in learning more? Visit our website or email careerservices@umkc.edu.  

Upcoming Student Event:  Sweet Treats and Study Skills


Students will have the chance to come and prepare for their finals with SILs, Tutors, and Writing Studio Consultants. 

December 5, 2023 - 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM 

Miller Nichols Library room 420 

Seasonal food and drinks will be provided 
 
SI Tutors/Supplemental Instruction Leaders Recruitment

Now hiring SI Leaders and Tutors!


Our application is now open for Supplemental Instruction Leaders and Tutors for the Spring 2024 Semester.  We would love your assistance in sharing the application out to students in your respective areas. 
In addition, if you have specific student recommendations, you can add them to this referral form and we will reach out to them. We have included a few flyers you could share with your students.
Contacts:  Chante Evans and Sarah Amos, Academic Support Coordinators
Roo Network

Roo Network is an online community for UMKC students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Connect with other Roos, explore different career paths, and develop professional connections all in one place! This resource goes beyond the classroom to help students connect with mentors in their field. Visit umkc.peoplegrove.com to activate your account today! 

Career Bridge Program

Career Services is excited to announce the launch of the Career Bridge Program, a fantastic opportunity for faculty members eager to inspire and guide the next generation. We are actively seeking dedicated faculty partners to help us extend its reach, enabling students to acquire essential skills, gain invaluable experiences, and build professional networks essential for success in their chosen careers. For more information contact  careerservices@umkc.edu or d.miller@umkc.edu     

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