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Faculty Forward: A Learning Community for New Faculty

by | Aug 28, 2026 | Blog, Learning Community, Professional Development

Faculty Forward is a supportive program designed specifically for early-career (years 1-3) faculty who want to build a strong foundation in teaching. Through a series of interactive sessions, you’ll explore effective, evidence-based strategies to create engaging learning environments, foster student success, and grow your teaching confidence. You’ll also connect with peers from across campus who are on a similar journey – because good teaching doesn’t happen in isolation. Find more information on the CFC’s Faculty Forward homepage.

Fall 2026 meeting dates: 

Our Wednesday Cohort meets 2:30 – 3:45 pm on the following days: 09/16, 09/30, 10/21, 11/04 

Our Thursday Cohort meets 11:00 am – 12:15 pm on the following days: 9/17, 10/01, 10/22, 11/05 

Register for either Faculty Forward Cohort via our Faculty Forward Registration Form. 

Purple leaf with the text Faculty Forward underneath

Quantum Computing Faculty Learning Community

by | Aug 27, 2026 | Blog, Learning Community, Professional Development

Faculty members interested in quantum computing and its applications are invited to participate in an interdisciplinary Quantum Computing Learning Community. While open to all faculty, this community may be of particular interest to colleagues in Mathematics/Computer Science, Engineering, Chemistry, and Physics.

 

The Faculty Learning Community will serve as a resource for interested faculty to stay current with the literature, collaborate with colleagues across disciplines, and create a shared syllabus of readings, modeling activities, and assignments. Faculty who are interested in learning more about quantum computing, developing curriculum, exploring research opportunities, or building interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged to participate.

Read more and complete this survey to let us know when you are available to meet as part of the FLC. If you have questions, please contact Enrique Gomez at egomez@wcu.edu. 

A quantum computer with gold plates and intricate silver wiring against a black background

Dr. Katie Searles to Speak at WCU

by | Apr 2, 2026 | Blog, Campus Community Connections, Event, Professional Development

The Haire Institute for Public Policy is pleased to sponsor a guest speaker on April 6, 2026. Dr. Katie Searles, Olin Johnson Professor of Political Science at the University of South Carolina, will facilitate events throughout the day, including a session called “Supporting Faculty Facing Occupational Intimidation” and “How News Coverage of Democracy Affects Audience Perceptions.” Please email Chris Cooper at ccooper@wcu.edu for more information and to RSVP. 
Flyer with women sitting. Cover of book and event title included.

Attend Elon University’s Free Teaching and Learning Hybrid Conference

by | Mar 3, 2026 | Blog, Pedagogy, Professional Development, Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

Elon University invites educators from around the world to participate in the 22nd Annual Teaching & Learning Conference, taking place August 11, 2026. This event is completely free to attend, with both in‑person and virtual registration options available. The theme is “Teaching for Tomorrow: Building Transferable Skills and Lifelong Learners,” encouraging attendees to reflect on how our teaching practices today shape students’ abilities to adapt, think critically, and thrive tomorrow.
The keynote speaker is Dr. Susannah McGowan, Director for Curriculum Transformation Initiatives at The Red House at Georgetown University where she leads institution-wide initiatives that bring educational transformation at scale in the form of student co-creation, curriculum and program design, and inclusive pedagogies.
The conference is currently accepting proposals for presentations and we would love to see a big WCU presence! If you need help with your proposal, please email April Tallant at atallant@wcu.edu.
Submit your proposal by March 22, 2026!

Supporting Faculty Facing Occupational Intimidation

by | Feb 19, 2026 | Blog, Campus Community Connections, Event, Professional Development, Research

Dr. Katie Searles, Olin Johnson Professor of Political Science at the University of South Carolina, will be holding an open session for interested faculty on “Supporting Faculty Facing Occupational Intimidation.” The larger project has been featured in Inside High Ed. Lunch will be served for participants. The event will be held in Hunter Library 101A on April 6th from 10:30am-2:00pm. Please email Chris Cooper at ccooper@wcu.edu to reserve a space.

Everyday Academic Integrity: Virtual Events for Educators

by | Sep 29, 2025 | AI, Blog, Professional Development

The International Center for Academic Integrity (ICAI) seeks to cultivate cultures of integrity in academic communities throughout the world. If you are interested in connecting and learning about academic integrity from other higher education professionals and institutions, the center is offering the following virtual events.

  • October 1: The International Day of Action for Academic Integrity Pre-Event is “designed to spark ideas and showcase global perspectives.”
  • October 15: The International Day of Action for Academic Integrity is a full-day of programming focused on academic integrity across institutions and cultures. Please note time zone differences.

Find more information and registration links to both events on the International Day of Action for Academic Integrity website.

  • October 24: The Southeastern ICAI Fall Virtual Conference is themed It Takes a Village: Holistic Education in the Era of AI. Join practitioners, students, and administrators to explore how AI is shaping education.

Find more information and registration link to the Southeastern Conference on the International Day of Action for Academic Integrity Regional Conference website.