First Year Program

Inaugurated in fall 2001, our nationally-recognized First Year Program is designed to assist both experienced instructors, and instructors new to full-time teaching, become successful teacher/scholars at UW-Whitewater. Specifically, the First Year Program is designed to help instructors new to UW-Whitewater: (1) develop a clear understanding of the institution's traditions, expectations, values, policies and procedures; (2) identify strategies for improving instruction and enhancing student learning; and (3) cultivate rewarding relationships with other faculty and staff across campus to foster cross-disciplinary partnerships.

While the exact schedule varies, the program convenes monthly throughout the academic year.  Sessions are typically held on Fridays from 12-2pm. The sessions are highly interactive.  Data-driven, informed by best practice, and facilitated by current UW-Whitewater faculty staff who have excelled as teacher/scholars, all sessions include discussion, peer-to-peer interaction, training, and reflection.  Pedagogical topics include training in the use of campus instructional technology, best practices in instructional design, strategies for student engagement, effective feedback and grading in the age of AI, student and instructor well-being, and classroom safety, among other topics.

All new instructors regardless of title are welcome to attend the First Year Program.  Invitations are sent to new full-time instructors in early August. Additionally, all new tenure-track faculty are required by the Provost Office to participate in the First Year Program. Department chairs are aware of the scheduled sessions and are asked to ensure that their new tenure-track faculty are available to attend.

When funds are available, tenure-track faculty members who fully complete the First Year Program will have access to a $1,000 additional Professional Development Funds through the provost’s office. To fully qualify for this fund, participant must not have missed more than ONE scheduled session of the program and must complete all other program requirements.

Examples of approved uses of these funds include: covering costs associated with registration, travel, and/or lodging for a competitively selected paper/creative activity presented at a conference; paying for charges associated with the publication of a scholarly article; and hiring a professional editor to help with rewrite of article resubmitted to journal. These funds cannot be used for equipment/book purchasing or hiring student research assistants.  Because these funds are dispersed in a budget cycle, they are only available to participants for use during the one academic year immediately following their participation in the first year program.  After program completion, eligible tenure-track faculty will receive an email from the provost office clearly articulating how to apply for the funds and what expenses are eligible for reimbursement using these dollars.

For any questions about the First Year Program, please contact CATLST at CATLST@uww.edu.