Professional-Track Faculty Development

The Professional-Track Faculty Development Office is designed to support and empower the large and growing number of professional-track faculty at UT Austin by shaping policies that advance career progression, fostering equity and strengthening faculty integration. Led by Vice Provost Jen Moon, the office partners with university leaders to create an environment where professional-track faculty feel valued, supported and fully integrated into the academic mission of the University. Through events, practicums and advocacy, the office aims to provide faculty increased resources, networking and mentoring opportunities, recognition and career pathways.

Vice Provost (VP) for Professional Track Faculty

The role focuses on professional-track faculty initiatives, programs and resources for faculty across their career cycle—from hiring through pre-retirement—and will support the multiple facets of the workload and job experiences of professional-track faculty.

The Vice Provost develops and administers professional-track faculty development initiatives, programs, policies and resources in addition to consolidating current programming offered centrally. The Vice Provost works closely with the Senior Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs to refine policies and processes that impact the work environment, professional experiences and career development of professional-track faculty across their time in rank and for all title series, ranks and roles.

The Vice Provost will collaborate on professional-track faculty development efforts with other administrative officers and faculty groups at the University whose missions touch on faculty development, including the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Associate Deans for Faculty or Academic Affairs in the colleges and schools as well as the Office of the Vice President for Research, Scholarship and Creative Endeavors.

Primary Functions of the Vice Provost for Professional Track Faculty

1. Policy Development
Lead efforts to shape policies that advance career progression and strengthen professional-track faculty integration into the university’s mission.
2. Community Building and Professional Development 
Strengthen connections among professional-track faculty through networking, mentoring, and growth opportunities.
3. Collaboration and Leadership
Work collaboratively with university leadership, college deans, and department chairs to ensure that professional-track faculty have access to resources, recognition, and pathways for meaningful career advancement, while aligning with the broader goals of the university.

UT Pathways: A Professional-Track Faculty Conference

Save-the-Date: Tuesday, April 29th 2025 | 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Location: Robert B. Rowling Hall (RRH)

The UT Pathways conference is an interactive event designed exclusively for professional-track faculty at The University of Texas at Austin. This conference is an opportunity to connect, learn and inspire the advancement of professional-track faculty.

Join faculty peers to learn about career trajectories and experiences, and propose meaningful action items for University leadership to foster diverse career paths at UT. Participants will explore potential career opportunities, engage in conversations about next steps to support professional development, and take part in specialized breakout sessions. Breakout session topics include managing clinical work, seeking leadership training, and scholarship and research support.

Who can participate in UT Pathways?

  • Professional-track faculty
    • FTE 50% or higher
    • Permanent (non-visiting) faculty
  • Peer Networking Circles
    Professional Track Faculty Peer Networking Circle program allows individuals to connect and share experiences with peers from across the University. Each “circle” will promote discussion of best practices centered on a particular theme. Facilitated by a professional track faculty colleague, each circle will typically meet twice monthly for in-person discussions.
  • Summer workshops for promotion dossiers
    Our summer programming supports professional-track faculty preparing their promotion dossiers with a series of focused workshops. These sessions will provide guidance on writing a compelling teaching statement, crafting a statement on additional contributions to the academic enterprise, and applying best practices for dossier preparation. Designed to offer practical insights and expert advice, these workshops will help faculty present their achievements effectively and navigate the promotion process with confidence.
  • Promotion Information Sessions
    Zoom sessions held in late Spring/early Summer to provide information and answer questions about the professional-track faculty promotion process.  Attendees do not need to be currently preparing for promotion to participate
  • Professional-Track Faculty Advisory Committee
    The Professional-Track Faculty Advisory Committee is a newly forming group dedicated to supporting and advancing the work of professional-track faculty at UT Austin. Launching in Spring 2025, this committee will bring together faculty representatives from across the university to share best practices, identify challenges, and collaborate on key initiatives. Members will help plan the inaugural Professional-Track Faculty Conference: UT Pathways, contribute to faculty development efforts, and support community-building initiatives. This committee will provide valuable insights to shape policies, programs, and recognition opportunities, fostering a strong and supportive academic community.
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Resources
Recognition for Professional Track Faculty