The Midstates Consortium for Math and Science is hosting a workshop for mid-career faculty on the beautiful campus of St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN on the weekend of June 5-7, 2020.
 
Workshop leader Dr. Pamela Kittelson, Professor of Biology at Gustavus Adolphus College, has directed several programs related to faculty professional development.

DESCRIPTION:

The middle-career stage, the time between earning tenure and verbalizing a retirement timeline, can be the longest and most challenging stage for many faculty.  Professional satisfaction and growth can result from attention and deliberation, but the time or energy to nurture one’s mid-career goals can be scarce.  

The weekend workshop will provide structured time for faculty to reflect on the middle stage of their career. Attendees will discuss relevant materials and participate in activities aimed at developing a plan to enhance one’s mid-career. The workshop will give individuals time to set goals, shape strategies and identify future professional opportunities related to teaching, scholarship and service. Participants also will listen, question and encourage each other’s emerging agenda. Ultimately, each participant will create an individualized, action-oriented plan for the next 3 to 5 years.

The workshop also will enlarge the participants’ network of colleagues at other Consortium campuses and in other disciplines, which may lead to collaboration or continued conversations regarding professional development.

Given the small-group nature of many of the activities, enrollment is limited to approximately 20 participants.

The Consortium will reimburse travel expenses, and provide lodging at St. Olaf College and meals from Friday dinner through Sunday noon.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Middle-career faculty, which is typically defined as the time between earning tenure and verbalizing a retirement timeline.  Participant backgrounds will include the physical and biological sciences, mathematics, computer science and psychology.  Participation is limited to those affiliated with Midstates Consortium schools.

THE APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

Admission is rolling and the deadline is midnight (EST) on May 25, 2022.  The Consortium is committed to broad, equitable participation of member schools.  Each member school will have two open spots initially and the first two applications from the school will be considered first.  
If not all campuses use their two spots, the remaining slots will be allocated to applicants from other campuses.
As such, early application is encouraged. You will be notified of the status of your application no later than May 27, 2022.

TRAVEL AND SCHEDULE:

After your acceptance, you will be contacted about travel arrangements and any special requests related to food or lodging. Each participant will have their own bedroom and sink in a pod of 6 rooms;  single-sex shared showers and bathrooms are adjacent to each pod.

Please plan to arrive on campus for the first session at 5:00 pm on Friday and remain through Sunday noon.  If you arrive at St. Olaf close to 5:00 pm, there will be time to check-in during a break before dinner. The Friday dinner will be on-campus and the evening session will end at 8:30 pm. The Saturday program starts at 8:00 am and continues through dinner.  On Sunday, the program runs from 8:00 am to noon.
 
Upon confirmation of travel arrangements for all participants, Ann Schutt will contact those who are flying and coordinate transportation between the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport and the St. Olaf campus on Friday and Sunday afternoons. The final schedule for the meeting, directions and campus map will be sent out at this time.  

Please contact Dr. Mike Seymour (midstatesdirector@gmail.com) with any questions about the application or the workshop. Midstates Assistant Ann Schutt (midstatesassistant@gmail.com) can provide information on travel, lodging and meals.