Newsletter#11: 2024 Professional Development Days

The annual “Professional Development Day” (also known as Faculty Activity Day) at Wenzhou-Kean University was held once again on June 5, 2024. During this event, faculty members exchanged their educational philosophies, teaching methods, and ideas, sharing numerous personal experiences and insights, and discussing ways to enhance teaching quality. Dr. David Birdsell, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Kean University, Dr. George Chang, Dean of the College of Science and Technology, Dr. Jin Wang, Dean of the College of Business and Public Management, and Dr. Jonathan Mercantini, Associate Provost for Special Projects, participated in the plenary session. They shared crucial information regarding faculty career development, reappointment, and promotion, and discussed how to foster an inclusive, innovative, and inspiring environment and community. Additionally, they addressed key topics such as supporting students facing challenges and the sustainable development of the university.

Since 2016, Wenzhou-Kean University has hosted annual faculty professional training sessions. This year, continuing the tradition, the event was divided into two main segments: the “Plenary Session” and “Training and Sharing.” Approximately 200 faculty members from the entire university participated in these major parts of the event.

For 2024 Professional Development Days detail report, please visit https://www.wku.edu.cn/zh-hans/2024pdd

Following the event, many professors expressed their enthusiasm and eagerness for future workshops to include more hands-on modules. This was the first “Teaching Activity Day” organized by the CTL. To better support the teaching development, research projects, and enhancement of the teaching environment at our school, we invite all colleagues who participated in this event to participate in a short survey. Your insights are crucial in guiding our efforts towards supporting professional development and teaching innovation.

New Faculty Orientation

Another exciting announcement is that the New Faculty Orientation, held on August 27th and 28th, was a great success. We welcomed a talented group of educators who bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to our community.

CTL Presentation on New Faculty Orientation

During the event, the Center for TeTeaching and Learning (CTL) highlighted the teaching supportavailable at WKU. The CTL L shared its mission and ongoing programs, encouraging the newfaculty members to explore resources such as the bi-weekly CTL  newsletter, universityeducational programs like the Instructional Skills WoWorkshop, and interdisciplinary projects,including the course "Applications of A AI in TeTeaching."

Screreenshot of the CTL  Official WeWebsite

The entire presentation is available at 2024 CTL Faculty Orientation

Please join  us welcoming our new colleagues and supporting them as they integrate into the WKU family. Let’s continue to foster an inclusive and collaborative atmosphere that promotes excellence in teaching and learning.

To read our previous newsletters, please visit our official website: https://www.wku.edu.cn/en/taxonomy/term/687

Author: Yirui (Sandy) Jiang
Chief Editor: Yirui (Sandy) Jiang