The Kardia Group

See also: What Changes at Promotion to Full?

This customizable seminar involves new senior faculty from across campus in a unique behind-the-scenes look at their academic career and the academic organization in order to foster the tools and perspective that allow them to take a more active and intentional role as senior members of their departments, schools/colleges, and universities.

Comments from participants:

"Frankly, just getting the invitation to this made me aware that I had arrived at a place where I could no longer just sit back and expect that someone else would take care of keeping my unit moving forward. I am now one of 'them' who needs to be a steward of our mission. In the past I have avoided service on the dept executive committee; after being invited to this and reflecting upon it, now I am looking forward to having such a role. I might also be a bit more emboldened to try and rally my colleagues to work together for specific improvements on things like our graduate curriculum, for example. After I get caught up on a day and half of email that is…."

"The term 'leadership' really applies to day-to-day interactions with students, colleagues, and administrators as well, like a code of ethical behavior that is practiced rather than preached. The seminar is a good opportunity to reflect on this and discuss experiences, good or bad, with colleagues from other departments. I really enjoyed that."

"Through this seminar I am more keenly aware of the critical role senior faculty play and more likely to address problems that I see developing rather than letting them persist."

Typical Seminar Components

• Increased strategies for the organizational, political, and social structure of the university
  Possible topics:
  • Dealing with conflict in the academy
  • Developing leadership skills and roles
  • Faculty meetings and other important venues
  • The pros and cons of becoming an academic administrator
  • Making more satisfying service and leadership choices
• Dean's and Provost's Office participation, providing a unique opportunity to see the university from an administrative perspective.
• An opportunity to develop colleagues and networks across units.
• Discussion of the concepts of leadership and service as they apply to full professors.
• Resources and advice on leading new initiatives, initiating faculty-led change, faculty-administrator dynamics, faculty career paths, mentoring, and other topics.
• Case histories and group problem-solving of common and longstanding departmental dynamics and situations.