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University of Minnesota

What's Inside

Through its core courses – Teaching in Higher Education followed by a Practicum course – the Preparing Future Faculty Program provides a teaching and learning forum in which participants engage with a multidisciplinary, cross-cultural mix of masters students, doctoral candidates, and post-doctoral fellows. Participants discuss learning theory and strategies, develop teaching skills, create classroom and job search materials, and work with faculty from a range of institutional types.

The program is sponsored by the University of Minnesota Graduate School and the Office of Human Resources. To receive a letter of recognition and certificate of program participation, students complete two core courses: GRAD 8101 and GRAD 8102. Students may also register for "topics" courses offered under the GRAD 8200 designation to gain a GRAD 8101 equivalent one credit at a time. Some graduate programs may have different requirements for doctoral students participating in this program. Query the PFF Program coordinators if you have questions.

What Difference Does PFF Make?

According to our alumni survey, PFF alums are "quick starting faculty" with significantly higher levels of job, student, and colleague satisfaction than faculty expressed nationally.

View the Results of the Alumni Survey

"Through PFF, I have learned invaluable teaching skills and gotten oriented to career options in diverse higher education settings."

- Hui Nui Wilcox, from the Community of Scholars Spring 2004 Celebration

Goals for Participants

Preparing Future Faculty will assist participants in further developing your teaching skills and exploring the faculty role on a college or university campus. Our goals are to help future faculty:

  • Acquire information about the teaching and learning process and faculty role at a variety of institutions of higher education.
  • Gain a realistic perspective on the skills required for success as a faculty member.
  • Examine and mindfully plan your fit with a teaching career in higher education.
  • Work with a faculty mentor in a teaching opportunity on a regional college or university campus or at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
  • Demonstrate, document, consult and reflect upon your teaching skills.
  • Market yourself in competition for faculty or other professional positions.

PFF Staff

Program Coordinators

Program Instructors

PFF Program Associate

Center for Teaching and Learning