Got tenure, now what? Heather H. Wilkinson Associate Dean of Faculties Professor of Plant Pathology and Microbiology May 13, 2020
Set Context - Who is here? Universal Advice for Faculty Success Specific Advice for Recently Tenured faculty Relating to Your Own Experiences
Set Context - Who is here? • Conduct Polls DEFINITION – “strong ties” means a sense of belonging, integration, and shared purpose) • Briefly Review Results
Universal Advice for Faculty Success • Be Intentional - Plan • Reflect often • Network and Engage Colleagues • Invest in and develop yourself • Investigate and practice characteristics expected for next rank • Leader UNIVERSAL CHARACTERISTICS • Connected • Engaged EXPANSION EXPECTED • Mentor WITH EACH RANK
Specific Advice for Recently Tenured faculty • Recognize post-tenure patterns
Specific Advice for Recently Tenured faculty • Recognize post-tenure patterns • Pathways for post-tenure • Emotions common to post-tenure
Tamara Beauboeuf-Lafontant, Karla A. Erickson & Jan E. Thomas (2019) Rethinking Post-Tenure Malaise: An Interactional, Pathways Approach to Understanding the Post-Tenure Period, The Journal of Higher Education. https://doi-org.srv-proxy2.library.tamu.edu/10.1080/00221546.2018.1554397
Rockquemore, K. A. (2012, July 2). Mid-career emotional spectrum. Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved from: https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2012/07/02/essay-how-mid-career-academics-can-find-their-place-emotional-spectrum
Specific Advice for Recently Tenured faculty • Recognize post-tenure patterns • Pathways for post-tenure • Emotions common to post-tenure • Cultivate Resilience
Specific Advice for Recently Tenured faculty • Cultivate Resilience • What is resilience ? • Why cultivate resilience? • How does one cultivate resilience?
Specific Advice for Recently Tenured faculty • Cultivate Resilience • What is Resilience ?
Specific Advice for Recently Tenured faculty • Cultivate Resilience • What is Resilience ? is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress frequently described as capacity to “bounce back” from difficult experiences
COPING GRIT RESILIENCE = + SENSE EMOTIONAL MAKING INTELLIGENCE
Specific Advice for Recently Tenured faculty • Cultivate Resilience Why cultivate • What is Resilience ? resilience? Develop sustainable habits HABITS DISPOSITIONS and dispositions to enhance Know Yourself Purposefulness engagement and satisfaction as Understand Emotions Acceptance a faculty member Tell Empowering Stories Optimism Build Community Empathy Be Here Now Humor Take Care of Yourself Positive Self-Perception Focus on the Bright Spots Empowerment Cultivate Compassion Perspective Be a Learner Curiosity Play and Create Courage Ride the Waves of Change Perseverance Celebrate and Appreciate Trust
Specific Advice for Recently Tenured faculty • Cultivate Resilience • What is Resilience ? • Why cultivate resilience? • Develop sustainable habits and dispositions to enhance engagement and satisfaction as a faculty member
Specific Advice for Recently Tenured faculty • Cultivate Resilience • What is Resilience ? • Why cultivate resilience? • Develop sustainable habits and dispositions to enhance engagement and satisfaction as a faculty member • Strategies and tactics that worked for the time-limited and strictly monitored tenure process will not be appropriate for promotion to full professor and beyond
Specific Advice for Recently Tenured faculty • Cultivate Resilience • What is Resilience ? • Why cultivate resilience? • Develop sustainable habits and dispositions to enhance engagement and satisfaction as a faculty member • It teaches us to practice focusing on what we can control
Specific Advice for Recently Tenured faculty • Cultivate Resilience • What is resilience ? • Why cultivate resilience? • How does one cultivate resilience?
“Cultivation” implies effortful attention
How does one cultivate resilience? Accept change – find ways to become more comfortable with change Take charge – Take charge of your own career and development. Negotiate the best teaching and service responsibilities in alignment with your goals. Be decisive and resolve to accept the consequences – solution mindset. Adopt problem resolution techniques. Challenge perceived barriers and limiting assumptions. Lifelong learning – new skills, new understanding, and apply in times of change Set goals and align with purpose – track and celebrate progress, alignment essential to sustain motivation Skill shift – seek experiences that allow you to reframe your skills, talents and interests Reflect – fosters learning, expands mindset, and improves self-awareness Nurture positivity – visualize goals and responsibilities with optimism and enthusiasm Foster relationships – develop & nurture broad personal and professional networks Honor self - Know and stay true to your values. Play to your strengths. Know how your personality intersects with self care. Honor your identity apart from your job. Take care of your body and mind. Exercise regularly. Pay attention to your needs and feelings.
How does one cultivate resilience? ……”But who has time?”
How does one cultivate resilience? ……”But who has time?” YOU e.g. All tenured TAMU faculty are eligible for faculty development leave (FDL)
How does one cultivate resilience? ……”But who has time?” YOU e.g. All tenured TAMU faculty are eligible for faculty development leave (FDL) Effort for each of these suggestions improves your case, and engagement and satisfaction improve the university
Take 3 minutes to WRITE and THINK Consider your own experiences
Take 3 minutes to WRITE and THINK Consider your own experiences • Identify the post-tenure emotions and potential pathways you harbor and why?
Take 3 minutes to WRITE and THINK Consider your own experiences • Identify the post-tenure emotions and potential pathways you harbor and why? • In which ways can you cultivate resilience to enhance your own engagement and satisfaction?
Take 3 minutes to WRITE and THINK Consider your own experiences • Identify the post-tenure emotions and potential pathways you harbor and why? • In which ways can you cultivate resilience to enhance your own engagement and satisfaction? • What habits and dispositions would serve you best for your goals?
Okay so…. That was the THINK Now we will GROUP after we will SHARE What happens at GTNW, stays at GTNW
GROUP Instructions 1. Introduce yourselves – 2 minutes (~30 sec each) - and identify a “local time lord” and a “reporter” – ~1 minute 2. Each discuss your thoughts from the THINK, as you are comfortable - ~ 4 minutes each 3. Help the “reporter” summarize the themes and differences in your discussion ~ 2 minutes
SHARE Instructions 1. Each “reporter” speak to us about group themes and differences 2. Meanwhile – ANY or ALL of you post any insights you have from any part (THINK, GROUP, or SHARE) in the chat
Any questions? Feel free to contact me if for consultations, coaching, or connecting to resource on campus h-wilkinson@tamu.edu
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