The Provost’s Office, the Office of Research, and the Center for Teaching Excellence are excited to introduce the Pathways to Excellence program, a 15-week experience designed to provide newly-hired faculty starting in 2025 with a foundational understanding of the teaching and research landscapes at UF.
Evidence-based Teaching
During the first six weeks, the Center for Teaching Excellence’s team will help you grow your teaching practice as you participate in CTE’s Teaching Excellence Academy. You will explore a variety of teaching techniques, get hands-on experience, share ideas with colleagues, and create artifacts for your teaching portfolio that showcase your expertise. We will discuss the importance of relationships and motivation, active learning, quality learning environments, transparent and online teaching, assessments, and feedback.
Impactful Research
Over 5 research-focused weeks you will gain insights into the broader research landscape, learn about UF’s infrastructure and support services, and develop strategies for building a sustainable and impactful research career. The course provides guidance on identifying funding opportunities, crafting compelling research narratives and developing competitive proposals. It concludes in a panel discussion with experienced faculty sharing practical advice and lessons learned from their own journeys. In addition to skill-building, the course fosters a peer community that encourages collaboration and professional growth across disciplines.
Developing You
During the last sessions, you will develop an in-depth understanding of the higher education landscape in the State of Florida and within UF. Additionally, these sessions will address key professional development topics that will help you be a more effective leader and mentor.
Schedule (Tuesdays from 2-4 p.m., Room 1010 at the Public Safety Building,1555 Museum Rd)
Evidence-Based Teaching
September 2: Relationships and Motivation
September 9: Active Learning
September 16: Quality Learning Environment
September 23: Transparent & Online Teaching
September 30: Useful Assessment
October 7: Effective Feedback
Impactful Research
October 14: Navigating the Research Landscape at UF and Beyond
October 21: Research Support Units and Compliance Services
October 28: Building a Successful and Sustainable Research Career
November 4: Finding Funding and Writing Winning Proposals
November 11: Lessons from the Field—Panel with Experienced PIs
Developing You
November 18: Mentoring
November 25: Promotion and Tenure
December 2: Communicating Effectively