Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence
931-372-3394
Monday-Friday | 8-4:30 PM
Early-Career Faculty
Whether you are new to Tennessee Tech or beginning the first few years of your faculty career, this page connects you with resources designed to help you get established and thrive. Explore opportunities for professional development, teaching support, research growth, campus connections, and other resources to help you navigate your role and build a strong foundation for success.
November 5, 2026
New Faculty: Finish Strong & End-of-Term Planning
Library 112 | 11 AM-12 PM
Prepare to close out the semester with confidence while setting yourself up for future success. This session focuses on supporting student achievement through advising and referrals, gathering meaningful course feedback through IDEA evaluations and local evaluation processes, and planning ahead for spring teaching and professional development opportunities.
November 13, 2026
Best Practices for Grant Management
Library 112 | 9 AM-12 PM
This workshop will provide an overview of effective strategies for managing grant-funded projects from start to finish. Through presentations and discussion, participants will explore grant management fundamentals, project management techniques, and practical lessons learned from experienced colleagues to support successful grant outcomes.
November 19, 2026
Qualitative Research Community of Practice
Derryberry 200 | 11 AM-12 PM
The CAFÉ is excited to continue our learning community for qualitative researchers. The Qualitative Research Community of Practice (QCoP) is designed to be an interdisciplinary group of Tennessee Tech faculty who are interested researchers, scholars, and practitioners focused on qualitative research methods. The group will meet once this semester to share ideas, build networks, and develop qualitative research skills. Register below to join this learning community and become a part of an active collaboration of qualitative research faculty.
December 3, 2026
New Faculty: Wrap-Up & Relationship Building
Library 112 | 11 AM-12 PM
Wrap up the semester by connecting with colleagues and campus resources in a relaxed, engaging format. This session features a mix-and-mingle experience with rotating resource stations, including teaching consultations for spring, student support mapping, research and grant planning, and opportunities for mentoring and professional growth.
December 14, 2026
Watermark Drop-Ins
Library 112 | 9 AM-12 PM
Stop by and receive assistance with updating your Watermark activities and preparing for Annual Evaluations.
OLC MicroLearning Library
OLC’s Microlearning Library offers 25 skills-aligned modules designed for faculty, instructional support, leadership, and student services, with regular updates to keep your team at the forefront of digital education.
Hosted on OLC’s Canvas platform, each interactive module can be completed in less than hour.
Email cafe@tntech.edu to learn more.
NCFDD Programs & Support
The NCFDD is an independent professional development, training, and mentoring community composed of faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students from over 450 colleges and universities. Tennessee Tech is an institutional member of the NCFDD, allowing our faculty and staff access to the amazing resources provided through the NCFDD.
To further engage with resources and support or get more involved in the Tennessee Tech community, please email cafe@tntech.edu.
