Faculty Development

Our faculty mean the world to us! That is why we go out of our way to support you as you grow and learn at NLU, along with your students. To this end, faculty teaching online courses are supported in the following ways: 

*New Faculty Self-Assessment

We have created a self-assessment for you to complete during your first term teaching online at NLU. It was built around the 10 Principles of Online Teaching, discussed in other areas of this document, and serves as a checklist to help you make sure you have given attention to the essential areas of online teaching. Once you submit it, a copy of your submission will automatically be sent to you and your academic leader. You can find the form at: https://surveys.nl.edu/s3/UGC-Online-Faculty-Self-Assessment. 

*Teaching Observations

Consistent with our belief that continuous growth is essential to excellence in teaching, we support you in developing your teaching practice through formal observations: once in your first term and again at least once a year. 

• Observations are completed by an academic leader in the department or within the undergraduate college (instructional support leader or associate dean).
• The process is designed to provide individualized feedback and recommendations for next steps in areas of strength, as well as opportunities for growth.
• The areas of observation are based on the core principles of the undergraduate college instructional model and are consistent with effective teaching practices across the college as a whole, regardless of modality.
• Your observer will follow up with you to share their feedback and, when possible, coordinate a time to debrief in real time. You will also be invited to respond to the feedback and provide additional insight.

*Embedded Professional Development

In addition to the individualized growth opportunity offered through observations, you also have access to professional development opportunities within your weekly Student Success Collaborative, departmental meetings, or quarterly faculty meetings. Your academic leader will inform you of the best opportunity for embedded professional development and invite you to them well in advance. No matter the format, dedicated meeting time will be reserved for activities and discussions in which you are encouraged to engage, share insights, and learn from colleagues. Since our instructional practices continue to evolve, the topics chosen will be responsive to the current needs and interests of the group.