September 1, 2021

The Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) and Office of Faculty Advancement (OFA) have teamed up to launch the New Dragons Faculty Learning Community (FLC).

The New Dragons FLC supports faculty who started in a full-time position at Drexel University within the previous three years. Participants explore the crucial role faculty play in supporting Drexel’s mission to prepare graduates of diverse backgrounds to become purpose-driven professionals and agents for positive change. Monthly meetings provide opportunities to network with colleagues and consider tools for balancing teaching, service, and research workloads. Participants also have the opportunity to hear from academic and extra-curricular leaders across Drexel University such as Executive Vice President and Provost Paul Jensen, Senior Vice President and Dean Elisabeth Van Bockstaele, Vice President Lori Doyle, and Associate Vice President and Dean of Student Life Katie Zamulinsky. Over 30 faculty from six different schools and colleges joined the 2021-22 inaugural cohort.

FLCs are designed to encourage cross-department and interdisciplinary engagement and professional development. They are cohort-based programs where faculty engage in an active, collaborative, year–long program, structured to provide encouragement, support, and reflection. FLCs have been shown to increase belonging and ease transitions into faculty life or entry into a new institution, as well as provide increased support for faculty research and teaching excellence. The TLC hopes that New Dragons will be the first of other FLCs to be launched in the coming years.