While some applicants may have a clear idea of their upcoming SoTL project, others may not. The SFF program is designed to lead all participants, regardless of their previous SoTL experience, from the beginning stages of research planning to the end of the project. Moreover, as the fellows participate in the program throughout the year, the project is very often further developed and revised according to their experiences. Therefore, as long as you have a teaching and learning question that you would like to explore during the program, you are welcome to apply. 

As the SFF program is yearlong, data collection may occur at any point during the academic year. Some participants may start collecting data with the onset of the program, whereas others may start as late as the spring quarter. The time of data collection would depend on each research question and on the quarter the course(s) that the faculty member will apply the SoTL project will be offered. If the data collection occurs in the spring quarter, then the data analysis can be planned for the summer months in time for the SoTL Research Symposium in October. 

Throughout the year, faculty participants will be guided through the process of undertaking SoTL project from start to finish, with feedback from and interactions with the other members of the cohort as well as the program director. By attending SoTL retreats, monthly FLC meetings, and one-on-one consultations with the program director, participants will be provided with helpful guidance and thoughtful resources along the way. 

The program is designed to support faculty in making meaningful progress through the retreats, the monthly FLC meetings, and the support of the program director. SoTL projects oftentimes require data collection in multiple courses; therefore, it is common for data collection to continue after the program ends. We anticipate that some participants may only have preliminary data in time for the presentation next October, which provide helpful insights on scholarly teaching practices, as well as the next steps in your SoTL research. Please note that there are many ways to be successful in the program; engaging in the SoTL research experience throughout the year is a significant feat, one that is celebrated at the SoTL Research Symposium. 

An important aspect of SoTL research is the public dissemination of the completed work. The SFF program includes one of such opportunities at the end of the year, when the participants present their SoTL research at the SoTL Research Symposium in October. Therefore, publication is not a mandatory requirement of this program. However, we emphasize the importance of sharing SoTL research via publication. For those interested in working to publish their completed SoTL project, all participants have the option to participate in the SoTL Writing Bootcamp in July. 

The exact number of faculty fellows selected each year will vary depending on interest and funding. To ensure that the program maintains a strong sense of community, a concentrated level of deep conversations on teaching and learning, and a high-quality SoTL research experience, the number of fellows will be kept at around ten per year.  

The Scholarly Teacher track is comprised of three working retreats that the fellows attend throughout the year. This intensive, immersive, in-person, cohorted program prepares fellows to engage in SoTL research experience alongside their cohort, regardless of their previous engagement and familiarity with SoTL. The Advanced Practitioner track is geared towards advanced SoTL researchers who will continue their SoTL work throughout the year with the support of the SFF Program Director. Those in the Advanced Practitioner track will also be able to partake in the SoTL community via monthly FLC meetings and SoTL Research Symposium in October.

If you are a faculty member who would like to participate in the 2023-2024 SFF program, please fill out this application form. For best consideration, submit your application materials by Friday, May 5th, 2023 at 5 pm. In case you are having trouble uploading your materials, you may also send your supporting materials to kayoung.kim@du.edu. 

Please note: Filling out the application form does not guarantee you a slot in the SFF program. Faculty Fellows will be selected based on their application materials, and selected fellows will be notified in June.