Early Career Faculty Pathways Program
The Early Career Faculty Pathways Program is a cohort-based professional development program designed to help new and early career faculty navigate promotion and career advancement, build interdisciplinary connections and thrive at Northwestern.
Through a series of candid conversations with faculty leaders and representatives from key campus units, participants will gain insight into the resources, relationships and strategies that support success in teaching, research, service and career advancement. Along the way, they will expand their professional networks and develop a deeper understanding of the Northwestern community.
Participation is intentionally limited to foster engagement and a strong sense of community among faculty at similar career stages.
Program Objectives
Participants will:
- Learn strategies that support success and career advancement in teaching, research and service
- Develop a network of colleagues, mentors and collaborators across Northwestern
- Gain insight into Northwestern's culture, priorities and resources
- Build relationships with faculty leaders, university administrators and campus partners
- Increase awareness of programs, services and opportunities that support faculty success
- Strengthen belonging, connection and engagement within the Northwestern community
Eligibility
The Early Career Faculty Pathways Program is open to:- Tenure-line assistant professors
- Full-time teaching, clinical and non-tenure-eligible assistant professors within their first few years at Northwestern from Bienen, Kellogg, McCormick, Medill, Pritzker, SESP, SoC and WCAS
Because the program is cohort-based, participants are expected to actively engage with their peers and attend at least five of the seven sessions.
Schedule
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Sept. 17 Noon-1:30 p.m., Guild Lounge, Scott Hall |
Getting Started: Pathways to Success at Northwestern The program begins with a conversation about building a successful and fulfilling faculty career at Northwestern while beginning to develop connections with colleagues. Provost Erik Luijten will discuss opportunities, priorities and practices that contribute to long-term success. |
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Oct. 13 Noon-1:30 p.m., Deering Library |
Thriving at Northwestern: Building Your Network and Finding Your Community Strong faculty careers are built on meaningful relationships and a sense of connection. Faculty leaders will share experiences and strategies for developing professional networks, engaging across disciplines and creating a sense of belonging within the Northwestern community. |
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Nov. 10 Noon-1:30 p.m., Deering Library |
Research, Scholarship and Creative Practice Discover resources, partnerships and approaches that support a thriving program of research, scholarship or creative activity. Faculty and campus partners will discuss opportunities for collaboration, funding and professional growth. |
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Jan. 12 Noon-1:30 p.m., location TBD |
Teaching, Learning and Student Success Join faculty who have won teaching awards and campus partners for a conversation about effective teaching, student engagement and creating meaningful learning experiences. Participants will explore resources and practices that support teaching excellence and student success. |
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Feb. 16 and Feb. 23 Noon-1:30p.m., location TBD |
Understanding Promotion, Advancement and Career Progression This session will provide practical insights into promotion pathways, review processes and strategies for documenting impact and professional achievement. Participants will hear perspectives from faculty who have successfully navigated career advancement at Northwestern. Session discussions will be held separately to feature senior faculty on tenure-line and non-tenure-line faculty pathways.
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March 9 Noon-1:30 p.m., location TBD |
Mentorship, Sponsorship, and Professional Growth Explore how mentors, sponsors and professional networks contribute to long-term success. Participants will discuss strategies for cultivating meaningful relationships that support career development, visibility and advancement. |
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April 13 Noon-1:30p.m., location TBD |
Northwestern Behind the Scenes Meet representatives from key University offices and centers that support faculty success. Participants will learn how Northwestern's resources, services and partnerships contribute to excellence in teaching, research and engagement. |
If you have questions, please contact Stephanie Marin, Senior Program Coordinator, at faculty@northwestern.edu.