Networking
Connecting with colleagues
The academic life can be an isolating one unless new faculty members actively reach out to those whose work inspires, challenges, and interests them. Over years of such engagement, accomplished faculty members develop an entire network of scholars that pushes their research, teaching and service in new directions. Networking is a particularly important aspect of Scholarly Research, since knowledge is built on the work of those who have studied before us and those who are our contemporaries engaging with similar research questions.
Locating colleagues with similar interests
The academic community is filled with curious, actively engaged scholars with interests that complement one another's work. There are numerous ways to make contact, but it is up to new faculty members to find a means that works for them. Some faculty members email authors of articles they find stimulating, others attend conference presentations strategically and talk with presenters whose work informs theirs, still others seek colleagues with common interests on their own campus, and look for opportunities to collaborate on research, presentation, or co-teaching opportunities. New faculty members who seek out, contact, and constructively engage colleagues will be the most effective scholars.
Seek opportunities to collaborate
Once colleagues have been located, faculty members should actively look for ways to connect. Attend faculty professional development workshops together, co-write a grant or article on a topic of common interest, or serve on a committee together to learn more about one another’s research, teaching and service interests. These connections, whether serendipitous or intentional, lead to longstanding connections that deepen and enrich an academic career.
Join existing faculty networks
Many organizations, institutions or associations create and maintain professional networks for faculty. These may offer interactive features, and numerous ways to become involved. New faculty members will benefit from taking advantage of these less time consuming ways to connect with others.
Tips for Connecting with Colleagues
Tips for Building a Personal Learning Network on Campus and Online
Weimer, M. (December 16, 2009). Faculty Development, ACU Faculty Focus. Magna Publications, Inc., Madison, Wisconsin
This article offers ways to reach out to colleagues from various different collegial groups.
First Steps for Faculty: Develop New Social Support Systems
McKinney, M., Academic Coach, That Thousand Step Journey, Successful Academic
While this site is by a professional coach, there are many free articles and tips that are helpful for new faculty members beginning to develop a professional network in academia.
Example Faculty Networks
Progressive Faculty Network
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
This network has been created by the UNCCH campus to further causes of economic and social justice.
Junior Women Faculty Network
University of Michigan
This network was established in 1998 and fosters the professional development and success of UM’s women assistant professors while helping them learn about various aspects of life at the university.
DIBS Faculty Network
Duke Institutes for Brain Sciences
This site provides biographical sketches of faculty members working in the area of Brain Science in order to foster connections among them.
Faculty Use Their Professional Network to Serve the Community
Corrigan, R., President San Jose State University, Campus Compact
This news item describes how SJSU faculty members use connections with other faculty and businesses to create opportunities to serve.
