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Pew Midstates New Faculty Workshop
Final Report

The New Faculty Workshop was held July 11-13, 2003 at Hope College, in Holland MI. Twenty-three faculty and one Ph.D. student representing ten Pew institutions attended the conference. Workshop Leaders were Janet Andersen, Pew Director, Hope College, Paul DeYoung, Hope College, Kevin Kraus, Luther College, Kathleen Parson, Macalester College, and Wes Pearson, St. Olaf College.

The conference began Friday evening with dinner at the Haworth Inn. Rather than a speaker, a panel of last year's participants in the workshop described their first year experiences and answered questions. Saturday morning sessions included a group discussion on "Transitioning to a Full-Time Job in Academics" by Kevin Kraus from Luther; "Getting a Job at a Liberal Arts institution," by Kathy Parson from Macalester; "Establishing a Research Program that is Sustainable Throughout One's Career", by Janet Andersen from Hope, and "Research with Undergraduates" by Paul DeYoung from Hope College.

Following a lunch buffet at the Haworth Inn, Wes Pearson of St. Olaf College, led an afternoon session on "Teaching a Course for the First Time: Where to Begin." This was followed by a small group discussion using case studies. The final session allowed faculty to meet in disciplinary groups with mentors. Saturday ended with a cookout at the beach. The weather was beautiful, Lake Michigan was warm enough for swimming, and the sunset was gorgeous.

Sunday morning sessions, led by Janet Andersen, included "Best Resources: Websites, Books and Organizations", advice on "Balance: How to Stay Sane and Productive" and information on "Ways that Pew can Help You Survive."

The evaluations and informal comments made it clear that participants found the workshop valuable. They seemed to point particularly to the opportunity to meet and talk with other faculty just beginning careers at liberal arts institutions.

Institution and # Attended