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CFC Listening Sessions This Fall

by | Sep 15, 2025 | Blog, Feedback, Pedagogy, Teaching and Learning

This semester, the CFC is taking a closer look at how you experience the resources and support available to you, and how we can better align our programs with what you truly need. To kick things off, we just launched a needs assessment survey (check your inbox). But that’s just one part of the conversation.

We’re also hosting a couple of informal listening sessions this fall, and we’d really like to hear from you. These are relaxed, drop-in gatherings (no presentations, no pressure). Just a chance to share what’s on your mind.

We’ll be at:

  • Lazy Hiker in Sylva | 4:30–6:00 PM on Monday, October 27
  • Hillside Grind (on campus) | 9:30–11:00 AM on Thursday, October 30

We’re especially interested in hearing:

  • What’s working well for you?
  • What could be better?
  • What kinds of support or resources would make a difference?

It’s buy-your-own beverage style, so feel free to grab a drink and join us whenever you can. Whether you’ve got ideas, questions, concerns, or just want to chat, we’re here to listen. Your input helps shape how the CFC grows and how we support teaching and learning at WCU. We hope you’ll stop by and be part of the conversation!

New Faculty Join the Catamount Community

by | Sep 8, 2025 | Blog, CFC Insider, Teaching and Learning, University Support

The Office of the Provost and the Coulter Faculty Commons welcomed 60 new faculty on August 6-8 for New Faculty Orientation (NFO). Throughout the three-day event, new faculty members enjoyed a warm Catamount welcome from Chancellor Kelli R. Brown, Provost Starnes, Associate Provost Huffman, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management & Student Success Moultrie, and Faculty Senate Chair Alsayyed.  

Some sessions that stood out that new faculty highly recommended were: Colleague Connection (an interactive networking bingo game), Welcome to Success & Supporting Our Students (a panel and case discussions with Student Success and Student Affairs), and Ask Us Anything (a faculty panel where Brian Byrd, David Jons, and Tracy Mensah fielded questions).

As a result of attending NFO, 81% of respondents said their confidence levels in their preparedness to teach at WCU increased significantly; 85% reported their preparedness to support students increased significantly; and 93% reported that NFO gave them a sense of connection with the university. One new feature that helped connect new faculty to WCU was a short history walk across campus that was led by Peter Koch, Associate Director of the Mountain Heritage Center.  

Almost 40 campus partners participated in the resource fair, another highly rated component of NFO. One new faculty participant noted, “Overall, NFO was an outstanding experience. I learned so much about WCU’s rich history and how I can best service the university’s students and my colleagues. I’m very grateful to those who organized for providing new faculty with the space to meet and network with one another, too!” 

Group picture of NFO participants during the History Walk.
Percentage breakdown of NFO attendees' satisfaction.
Two new faculty chatting with each other during bingo.

30th Annual FALCON Conference (Virtual): A free conference for adjunct faculty and lecturers

by | Sep 8, 2025 | Blog, CFC Insider, Pedagogy, Teaching and Learning

The Faculty Academy on Excellence in Teaching at Indiana University presents the 30th Annual FALCON Conference themed Teaching with Purpose: Supporting Learners in a Changing World. The virtual conference, to be held September 26th, will explore how faculty can create responsive, student-centered learning spaces amid evolving challenges. Sessions will highlight strategies for building connection and resilience, designing flexible and accessible learning, and fostering environments where all students can thrive. 

Participants can easily register and then self-enroll in the course. Those without an Indiana University account can very quickly create a guest account. Session recordings from last year are also available to view. 

CFC Roadshow: Teaching & Learning Consults on the Go!

by | Aug 5, 2025 | Blog, Teaching and Learning, University Support

The Coulter Faculty Commons Educational Developers are hitting the road!

We’re bringing the CFC to you with the CFC Road Show, a drop-in style, pop-up opportunity to connect about your teaching and learning questions at various locations on campus. Whether you want to brainstorm an assignment, explore ideas for student engagement, or troubleshoot a teaching challenge, we’re here for you. Registration is encouraged but not required.

 

Dates, times & locations:

  • Tuesday, August 19, 9:00 am – noon, Health & Human Sciences Building 240
  • Wednesday, August 20, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Apodaca 115
  • Thursday, August 21, 8:30 am – 10:30 am, Belk 210
Sign-up for the CFC Roadshow

2025 SoTL Design Institute Ignites Faculty Innovation

by | Jun 5, 2025 | Blog, Faculty Development Workshop, Professional Development, Research, Scholarship of Teaching & Learning, Teaching and Learning

In May, the Coulter Faculty Commons hosted the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Design Institute at the Waynesville Inn & Golf Club, bringing together faculty from across disciplines to explore how classroom questions can become publishable research.

Led by SoTL expert Dr. Laura Cruz (Penn State) and supported by Western Carolina faculty panelists Susan Braithwaite (Health Sciences), Chip Ferguson (Engineering and Technology), and Katharine Mershon (Philosophy and Religion), the Institute offered sessions on framing meaningful research questions, research design, and Institutional Review Board (IRB) considerations, all in service to excellence in teaching and learning. The agenda focused on helping participants align their curiosity with methods that transform everyday classroom practice into evidence-based inquiry.

Many left energized by the realization that any teaching curiosity could become a SoTL project. “It is fantastic to know that there are experts in the CFC who can help with design,” one attendee noted. 

Faculty are already planning classroom changes, emphasizing metacognition, involving students in research, and using SoTL to guide innovation. The Institute planted seeds that will grow into engaged classrooms and impactful scholarship. Participants will be supported by the CFC throughout the summer with personalized coaching sessions and into the fall through a Write and Learn Collaborative, designed to help them implement classroom innovations, share progress, and support one another through dedicated collaboration and focused writing time. For more information about SoTL, please contact April Tallant atallant@wcu.edu.