Welcome to the Faculty Development Center!
The Faculty Development Center is where Puget Sound’s teacher-scholars engage in ongoing work to fulfill professional and public scholarly goals.
The Center's programming is developed and curated by a group of colleagues committed to supporting holistic faculty excellence. This allows faculty members to engage more effectively with students in the classroom while also modeling what it means to be lifelong learners and producers of knowledge.
These pages share just some of the many resources available to the Puget Sound faculty. We invite you to explore the tools outlined here and utilize the center to its fullest. Whether it's one-on-one consultations, referrals to on- and off-campus support, or some of the great group events, we look forward to working with and alongside you!
Schedule an appointment today by contacting fdc@pugetsound.edu.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
- Friday, April 24, 1–2 p.m.
Faculty-Led Study Abroad: Experiences, Stories, Lessons Learned
This session will center on faculty members’ experiences leading study abroad programs, with an emphasis on practical insights and reflection. Panelists will share perspectives on topics such as organization and logistics, communication with student groups, challenges encountered, lessons learned, and what they would do differently in future programs. Panelists: Diane Kelley, Eowyn Greeno, Holly Roberts, LaToya Brackett, and Kris Imbrigotta. The session will be informal and discussion-based, with time for questions and conversation. Refreshments provided.
- Thursday, April 30, 4–5:30 p.m. (Oppenheimer Cafe)
***End-of-Semester FDC Social***
Join your faculty colleagues for a relaxed gathering with plentiful appetizers, drinks (alcoholic & non-), and a door prize drawing at 4:45 p.m.. We hope to continue building this as a tradition—a chance to connect, unwind, and celebrate making it through another semester together.
- Friday, May 1, 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (Library 108)
Pop-Up Spa Massages
We are pleased to continue this tradition of offering complimentary 15-minute table massages for faculty, provided by Elite Massage Professionals (Todd Valentine and Cionne Butcher, University Place). Plan to arrive a few minutes before your appointment time if possible. Sign Up Here for the Table Massages
- Thursday, May 7, 2:30–4 p.m. (Library 063)
Bringing Mindfulness to Our Transitions
Facilitated by Allison Schuette (Mindful Pause Center), this session offers space to reflect, release the intensity of the academic year, and approach the summer with intention. Open to faculty and staff. Optional RSVP Here for Mindfulness session
- Thursday, May 21, 10:30-11:30 a.m. (FDC)
FDC Faculty Life Conversation: Parenting in Academia (Summer Logistics & Real Talk)
As we head into the final weeks of the semester and begin thinking about summer, this informal conversation will focus on the practical realities (and challenges) of balancing caregiving and academic work—everything from camps, childcare gaps, and shifting schedules to boundaries, expectations, and what actually works across different stages of parenting.
Light breakfast (scones, muffins, assorted fruit, juice) will be provided for those who RSVP. Please RSVP Here for the May 21 Parenting Conversation. Feel free to bring your own coffee or tea. You are also very welcome to drop by as your schedule allows. All faculty who are parents or caregivers are welcome to attend; feel free to drop in even if you don’t RSVP or can’t stay the full hour. (Note: This conversation may pair naturally with the afternoon session on planning a productive summer and writing group kickoff).
- Thursday, May 21, 1–2:30 p.m. (FDC)
Planning a Productive Summer & Writing Group Kickoff
This session will begin with a brief, practical conversation on planning for a productive summer—thinking through goals, time, and realistic strategies for making progress on writing and research, including how to structure the summer in manageable blocks and plan weekly to balance productivity with needed downtime. Following this, Sara Fischer will share plans for a summer writing accountability group and facilitate a brief discussion about structure, interest, and next steps. Faculty are welcome to attend either portion or stay for the full session. Refreshments provided.
RECURRING PROGRAMS
Open Writing Times & Open Hours
The FDC offers recurring Open Writing Times (Fridays 10:30 a.m.–noon) as well as weekly Open Hours with the FDC Director (Wednesdays 10:30 a.m.–noon). These are designed to provide structured time, collegial presence, and informal support — whether for writing, course planning, or reflection.
