Thriving at Vassar College: Part of the Vassar College Mentoring Program for New Faculty

We are excited to welcome you to “Thriving at Vassar College”—a brown bag lunch series designed to introduce you to key people and resources and provide essential information to help you get started. This series is hosted by the Dean of the Faculty Office, in collaboration with the Faculty Director of Teaching Development and the Faculty Director of Research Development.

Wednesdays 12:00–1:15 p.m.

September 11 - Thriving in the Classroom: Supporting Students Academically and Socioemotionally

Research shows that student success is closely tied to healthy social and emotional development. Students are more likely to maximize their opportunities and reach their full potential when they have a sense of belonging and purpose, can plan and set goals, and collaborate effectively with peers. This lunch will introduce you to the support structures available to reduce barriers to student success.

October 9 - Thriving as a Scholar: Balancing Research, Teaching, and Service

Faculty often face challenges in balancing teaching, research, and service responsibilities. This lunch will focus on strategies and practices to help improve this balance. We will also discuss resources available for faculty research with the Grants Office, in collaboration with the Faculty Director of Research Development.

November 13 - Thriving in Community: Navigating Faculty Community Dynamics

This lunch will cover the tenure and review process at Vassar. We will discuss how to set goals, align your time with your priorities, and make visible the often “invisible labor” that faculty experience, particularly in supporting students, colleagues, and the College’s diversity, equity, and inclusion goals.

December 11 - Thriving in Wellness: Resources to Support You

How can you meet Vassar’s research, teaching, and service expectations while maintaining your integrity, voice, emotional and physical health, and relationships? This lunch will focus on establishing a continued network for professional development and success. Topics will include resources for emotional support, community building, and accountability for writing and research. Bring your calendars and planners!