Faculty Development for Student Success Center

At the Faculty Development for Student Success (FDSS) Center, we are dedicated to cultivating faculty excellence in teaching, research, and professional service, ensuring that our educators are well-equipped to lead the next generation of students at Jackson State University. Our programs and initiatives serve faculty members at every stage of their careers, providing essential support through mentorship, professional development, and research advancement.

Summer Opportunities for Advancement and Reflection (SOAR)
SOAR provides structured, high-impact programming to help faculty redesign courses, progress on scholarly writing, and prepare for promotion and tenure. Each track provides clear goals, collaborative support, and practical deliverables that position faculty for success in the upcoming academic year. Whether you’re building your dossier, finishing a manuscript, or reimagining a course, SOAR helps you launch your teaching, writing, and career to new heights.

Teaching and Learning Support: Expanding the Faculty Toolbox
Central to our mission is the enhancement of teaching and learning at JSU. Our weekly Faculty Fellows Teaching and Learning Workshops, led by five Faculty Teaching Fellows, are designed to provide practical resources and strategies for faculty. Each session involves a dynamic combination of presentation and hands-on activities aimed at expanding the range of tools faculty can use to create engaging instruction and implement meaningful assessment techniques. These workshops empower faculty to innovate in their classrooms and stay at the forefront of effective teaching practices.

Mentorship Program: Supporting Faculty Through Tenure and Beyond
Our mentoring program is a cornerstone of faculty support. We connect new tenure-track faculty members with experienced mentors who provide guidance and support. In addition to fostering these mentor-mentee relationships, faculty develop comprehensive career plans designed to help them navigate the tenure process and succeed in their long-term academic careers.

At the FDSS Center, you also can find:

	Research Support: Faculty gain access to resources that enhance their research capabilities and provide avenues for academic growth.
	Writing Accountability Groups: These groups encourage faculty to maintain progress on research and publications through peer support.
	Networking Opportunities: On-campus networking events create connections with colleagues across disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and professional growth.
	Student Support Resources: Faculty are equipped with the knowledge and contacts necessary to address both academic and non-academic student needs, ensuring holistic support for student success.

Through these comprehensive efforts, the FDSS Center contributes directly to Jackson State University’s strategic priorities of student success, academic prominence, research excellence, and an enriching campus culture. By nurturing our faculty’s ability to excel in research, teaching, and service, we foster an environment where innovation and scholarly achievement thrive.

Faculty Travel Support
Faculty travel support is now handled directly through the Title III office. For inquiries, please contact Nicole Gholar-Harris at nicole.e.gholar-harris@jsums.edu.

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Are you interested in finding a mentor? Then complete our application for the 2024-2025 New Faculty Mentoring Program.