Entering Research and Scholarship into myVITA | 2 December 2024 @2:00 - 3:00 pm CST | hyflex - Zoom and CAFE | QUICK REGISTER

Entering Service into myVITA | 9 December 2024 @3:00 - 4:00 pm CST | hyflex - Zoom and CAFE | QUICK REGISTER

To make myVITA more rewarding, we’re introducing myVITA Victory — a series of events, resources, and a friendly competition designed to help you build a profile that truly reflects your achievements. Along the way, you’ll receive practical support, connect with colleagues, and even have the chance to gain recognition for your efforts.

Register for the sessions, even if you cannot attend, to gain access to the recording and more information about the series and resources.

Friday, 17 January 2025 | 8:00ish am - 3:00 pm
Kauffman Conference Center

CAFE invites you to participate in our 2025 conference, focusing on the role of mentoring at UMKC and higher education. This event will feature breakout sessions, mentoring opportunities, and a keynote address. 

To apply contact McLain Hymer, mhymer@umkc.edu.

Faculty are invited to apply for the new Faculty Fellow position with UMKC’s Nationally Competitive Awards Program, which supports student engagement with prestigious scholarships and fellowships. The Fellow will dedicate approximately 8-10 hours per week to promoting fellowship opportunities, fostering faculty participation, and expanding the program's reach. $1,000 monthly stipend & flexible terms.

Learn more about Academic Book Proposal FLC

Are you working on or considering a book proposal? Join Jennifer Phegley for a Faculty Learning Community this spring - focused on crafting key elements of a scholarly book proposal, featuring insights from The Book Proposal Book by Laura Portwood-Stacer.

The Academic Book Proposal FLC will meet first-Friday afternoons beginning in February. The series culminates in Portwood-Stacer’s virtual visit as a Shutz Lecturer on Monday, 19 May, from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Learn more about Faculty Writing Initiative

FWI supports faculty in achieving their academic and creative goals through work on writing projects. Faculty across all ranks, including non-tenure track, are encouraged to apply, and applicants can apply to participate in either a Tuesday or a Friday morning session. Both sessions will meet via Zoom. The weekly meetings will begin the second week of classes, and participants will be expected to attend these weekly writing sessions throughout the semester.

Facilitators for FWI are Dr. Antonio Byrd, Assistant Professor of English, and Dr. Jane Greer, Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor of English and Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies.

↓ Click for more info ↓

Dear Faculty Colleagues,

Much has changed at UMKC since you received the COACHE Faculty Job Satisfaction Survey in February 2023. The survey, administered by the Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE) at Harvard University, invites faculty to assess areas of job satisfaction. 58% of UMKC faculty completed the survey, an incredible response that was 15% higher than peer institutions across the nation. Thanks to your forthrightness, the survey highlighted areas of faculty life with high approval. Overall, UMKC faculty are more satisfied than peers by recognizing the quality and support of colleagues. The survey also identified opportunities for growth in five areas: pre-tenured faculty experiences, tenure policy and expectations, senior leadership, compensation/benefits and facilities/resources. The UMKC COACHE Steering Committee along with the Provost and Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs have sought to identify ways to enhance faculty experiences and those outcomes are currently available for your review on the Provosts website.

Sincerely,

Lorie Holt, PhD
Pillar Lead, Faculty Life and Leadership
Diane Filion Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence

Faculty Commons is more than a traditional teacher’s lounge — it’s a thoughtfully designed space for collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. While a lounge may focus on casual breaks, the Faculty Commons offers opportunities to connect with colleagues, host meetings, and engage in meaningful discussions, all in a welcoming and resourceful environment tailored to faculty needs. Faculty Commons has coffee, tea, and snacks.

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