4.21 Faculty Development

Piedmont University supports ongoing engagement in professional development activities based on the principle of merging the needs and goals of the individual with those of the institution. The University encourages professional growth by assisting members of the faculty in their professional growth; promoting the orderly progression of careers including work toward terminal degrees; encouraging and rewarding Faculty achievement that will be meaningful and satisfying to the individual; and, promoting development activities that further advance the goals and objectives of the University.

1. Awards for Faculty Development: Application forms for Faculty Development Awards are available in the office of the dean of the respective schools. Faculty members are encouraged to submit plans for individual professional development and to apply for grants from the University to fund group or individual professional development activities. A suggested plan would include a list of objectives and an explanation of how they relate to institutional goals. Faculty members are also encouraged to submit to the deans or Vice President for Academic Affairs proposals for workshops, seminars, and colloquia that address faculty or institutional concerns. University-wide projects may be funded by grants submitted to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
2.  Examples of plans for individual development include, but are not confined to, research projects, mentor-novice relationships, off-campus visitations, participation in workshops or seminars, specialized studies, and study for a terminal degree or for an advanced degree or certification.
3. If a reduced teaching load or time off for writing a dissertation, defending research, etc. is requested, a proposed work schedule must be approved by both the department chair and the dean of the school. The dean makes a recommendation to the Vice President for Academic Affairs for final action.