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Serendipity: Mid-Career Faculty Workshop Series

Serendipity is a one-semester, cohort-based faculty development workshop series designed to support associate-level faculty in navigating the mid-career stage with clarity and intention. Through structured workshops that blend brief lectures, guided discussion, and actionable exercises, participants will explore common mid-career challenges and opportunities for growth, leadership, and renewal.

Structure

The purpose of the Serendipity series is to provide mid-career faculty with focused, practical support as they reflect on their professional identity and plan for their future. This workshop series is designed to offer targeted tools, structured guidance, and dedicated time for exploration, enabling faculty to engage more intentionally with their development during this critical career phase. Participants will explore strategies for investing in their professional development, even within challenging contexts, and will be encouraged to take agency in charting their future directions. The workshops will address both structural support and individual reflection as faculty consider new pathways, clarify priorities, and articulate actionable goals.

The workshop series will include five virtual sessions held over the Spring semester (late January through February). Each 80-minute session will incorporate brief presentations, discussion, and reflective activities. Participants will be asked to review short materials or complete light preparation in advance of each session to maximize the value of the time together. Key themes explored will include mid-career challenges and opportunities, individual strengths and values, setting new goals, and the development of an Individual Development Plan (IDP).

Learning Outcomes

After completing the program, faculty should have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to:

  • Describe common mid-career challenges and rewards.
  • Reflect on their own evolving goals, strengths, and professional identity.
  • Identify and evaluate post-promotion opportunities.
  • Complete a personalized Individual Development Plan to guide their next steps.

Eligibility 

All full-time mid-career OHIO faculty who has been promoted to the associate-level are welcome to join the workshop series. Because some of the discussions and learning outcomes include a focus on research, scholarship, and creative activity (RSCA) productivity, mid-career faculty with RSCA responsibilities are strongly encouraged to participate.

To successfully complete the program, participants are expected to attend all or most sessions (at least three of the five) and engage with the preparatory materials. At the conclusion of the series, each participant will complete an Individual Development Plan as a reflection of their goals and priorities moving forward.

Upcoming Workshop Series

This program is offered in alternate years. The next workshop series will occur in spring 2028.