Course Category: Course

Few academics would characterize themselves as comfortable or skilled in navigating difficult conversations. In fact, many of us go out of our way to avoid conflicts. Avoidance not only prevents problems from being resolved but can hinder opportunities to build interpersonal trust and respect within our departments. Effectively navigating difficult conversations can improve your sense of well-being, collegial relationships, the culture of your department, and your academic brand. The purpose of this video course is to help you develop the strategies and techniques required to resist the urge to avoid or fuel interpersonal conflicts and provide you with tools that will allow you to manage these situations with greater ease and confidence.

The processes of promotion, reappointment, and tenure are consistent drivers of faculty stress. However, learning how to write a professional statement effectively can alleviate some of that pressure. The professional statement is a strategic opportunity to tell the powerful story of your hard-won accomplishments over the years and guide your review committee in their analysis of your work. The statement should highlight important themes, identify patterns of contribution across areas, and offer a general frame for interpreting the breadth of your achievements. This course will provide strategies for shaping your myriad accomplishments into a cohesive structure that presents a strong case for tenure, promotion, or reappointment.