First-Year Faculty Program

Program Overview

The First-Year Faculty Program supports the professional success and meaningful integration of tenure-track, first-year faculty at Austin Peay State University. Through an intentional and comprehensive onboarding experience, program participants develop an in-depth understanding of APSU’s institutional culture, values, people, resources, and expectations while building relationships across the university and developing a strong sense of belonging within the faculty community. Participants explore the expectations and practices associated with retention, tenure, and promotion, including teaching, creative or scholarly achievement, service, and advising, through predominantly active-learning environments, extensive peer interaction, and cohort-based community building.

Central to the program is the belief that new faculty members bring valuable expertise, experiences, perspectives, and gifts that enrich the university. Participants are encouraged not only to learn how to navigate and contribute to APSU, but also to recognize and share their unique strengths with colleagues, students, and the broader APSU community. By fostering meaningful connections and creating opportunities for collaboration, the program helps new faculty become active and engaged members of the university from the very beginning of their careers at APSU.

To provide participating faculty with the necessary time to fully engage in and benefit from this comprehensive professional development experience, each participant receives a 3-credit-hour course release during the fall semester.

Participant Obligations

Attend weekly sessions and presentations from 3-4:30 p.m. on Mondays during the fall semester.
Complete readings, assignments, and assessments.

Program Facilitator for AY 2026-2027:

Dr. Jeffrey Williams, Professor of Music (Voice) & Director of CAFE
williamsjj@apsu.edu