3. Support for New Faculty Members: What do They Perceive They Need?

• Main Authors: Jennifer Boman, Michelle Yeo, Theresa Matus
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of Windsor 2013-06-01
• Series: Collected Essays on Learning and Teaching
• Online Access: https://celt.uwindsor.ca/index.php/CELT/article/view/3757

In this article we report the outcomes of a needs assessment administered to new faculty members who were hired within the last four years at Mount Royal University. Our purpose in conducting this needs assessment was to gather information to guide the redevelopment of the institution’s support program for new faculty in light of a changing institutional context (i.e., the transition from a college to a university).  Faculty members were asked what kinds of support and resources they perceived themselves as needing during the first year of their full-time appointment and what gaps were present in their professional development.  We review the key themes in faculty members’ self-identified needs and summarize the principles behind a new faculty development program that was informed by the results of this research.