NCFDD
The WPI Divisions of Talent & Inclusion and Academic Affairs maintain an institutional membership in the NCFDD, which is an independent professional development, training, and mentoring community that helps academics make successful transitions throughout their careers.
What are NCFDD membership offerings?
NCFDD content covers a broad spectrum of topics integral to academic life, such as techniques to enhance writing productivity, effective strategies for time management and prioritization, developing mentor relationships, strategies for securing external funding, and finding a healthy work-life balance. Access to NCFDD’s member platform offers a multitude of benefits including:
- Weekly Monday Motivator
- Monthly Core Curriculum Webinars
- Hidden Handbook series
- Monthly Guest Expert Webinars
- Access to Dissertation Success Curriculum for graduate students
- Private Discussion Forum for peer-mentoring, problem-solving, & moderated writing challenges
- Unlimited access to the Member Library that includes webinar materials
- Accountability Buddy Matches
- 14-Day Writing Challenge: a 2-week free offering to foster consistent, productive writing habits and access to our WriteNow platform. Participants commit to daily writing, track progress, and engage with a supportive community
What programs and resources are available?
The Faculty Success Program (FSP) is a potent and comprehensive program aimed at increasing productivity and promoting work-life balance among faculty. It includes weekly training modules, small-group accountability calls, online community access, and one-on-one coaching opportunities. This program has an additional cost. Learn more about the program.
Post-Tenure Pathfinders Program is designed to guide FSP Alumni on charting their unique path after attaining tenure. The program focuses on mid-career transition and how to maintain momentum and significance in academia post-tenure. This program has an additional cost. Learn more about the program.
1-on-1 Coaching offers individualized guidance, problem-solving, and support to FSP Alumni. It's a personalized approach to mentoring where faculty members receive additional dedicated attention from our trained and experienced FSP coaches. This offering has an additional cost. Learn more about this offering.
The Teaching Toolkit Program provides faculty with an array of practical tools designed to enhance teaching effectiveness and student engagement. The program is rooted in research-based principles of pedagogy and offers strategies that can be immediately implemented. Through this platform, faculty members have access to a wealth of resources that address various aspects of teaching, such as designing an inclusive syllabus, creating engaging lectures, shaping effective assessments, and managing classroom dynamics. This program has an additional cost. Learn more about this program.
Who can access the resources, and how?
Resources and benefits are available to all WPI faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students at no cost. Activating your NCFDD account is an easy, straightforward process. Simply click on the "Activate My Account" button, enter your institutional email, and follow the instructions.
How can I enroll in the NCFDD's Faculty Success Program?
The Faculty Success Program is the NCFDD’s signature 12-week online “boot camp” focusing on writing productivity, academic time management, and personal well-being. It is one of the only NCFDD programs that is not free for institutional members, but we do receive a discount and the opportunity to register early. The discounted cost is on the order of $4,000; please check their website for the current figure. Faculty are encouraged to negotiate cost-sharing with their department head. Details about program elements, expectations, outcomes data, and testimonials can be found at the FSP link, along with advice on “making the ask” for funds. Faculty members may contact the Morgan Teaching & Learning Center to discuss whether or not the program is a good fit or to connect with prior participants. The FSP is offered in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
For questions about WPI’s NCFDD membership or to reserve a spot in the next offering of the Faculty Success Program, please contact morgan-center@wpi.edu.