What is Professional Development?
Professional Development often refers to practical skills, including those in the area of personal development, needed to sustain and succeed in a specific career.
Professional Development includes training to keep abreast with advancing technology, up-to-date practical skills in any profession, and the path to lifelong learning.
What type of coursework is there?
UNIV 590, Preparation for College Teaching, provides students with a basic understanding of how to prepare for a career in the professoriate, especially as it relates to effective teaching of students in a college or university setting. Course assignments will prepare students to apply for entry level faculty
positions and provide them with an understanding of varied strategies for effective college-level teaching. All graduate students are invited to register for this recently-revised course. Topics covered will include:
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The structure and governance of institutions of higher education in the US today.
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Major trends for educational change in colleges and universities.
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Understanding the job application and hiring processes for entry level faculty. Recognition of diverse learning styles in adult learners.
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Effective strategies for classroom and laboratory teaching.
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Resolution of conflict or problems in the classroom.
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Assessment of student learning and effectiveness of instruction.
What training is involved?
Professional Development may include training to become more effective in the classroom, enhance leadership and communication skills, develop management skills, successfully collaborate with colleagues, manage conflict and negotiate in the workplace. Computer-related training may include how to manage information systems, provide customer service, and learn different software applications.
Where might I learn about resources?
The Graduate School offers orientation every fall semester to connect the new and current graduate students to the services, policies, and requirements of the university, acquaint students with tools to navigate their degree, and ideas to successfully achieve their academic goals. Orientation also provides those interested in teaching,
or those on teaching assistantships, with a one-day TA workshop to address needs and responsibilities prior to the onset of the first day of class. Orientation.
Career Building
Career Basics Booklet for Scientists
Other Professional Development Opportunities
Teaching Resources
Responsible Conduct of Research Training
Graduate and Professional Writing Center
