The status of faculty development programs in community colleges in the state of Washington

Abstract

This study examined the status of the faculty development programs (FDP) in Washington state community colleges. Data were gathered through a questionnaire mailed to the individuals responsible for faculty development, and tabulated results are included. Six areas were examined for specific information: (1) Practices: what FDPs emphasize; (2) Content: how FDP content is determined; (3) Coordination: how FDPs are coordinated; (4) Audience: what the audience composition is that attends the FDP offerings; (5) Funding: how the FDPs are financed; and (6) Evaluation: how the FDPs are evaluated.Among the conclusions given were: (1) A formal FDP does not exist in each community college, although some type of faculty development does exist. (2) A college with a formal FDP will have more extensive faculty development offerings. (3) Outside consultants are not used in the needs assessment process, whether or not a formal FDP is in existence. (4) State funding and federal vocational funds are the two most common funding origins for FDPs. (5) Salary advancement and professional activity credits are the highest ranking incentives influencing attendance at FDP events. (6) A formal evaluation process with established criteria to evaluate FDPs does not exist in the majority of community colleges.Recommendations for community colleges included: establishment of a formal needs assessment process for determining content; a protocol for selecting a monetarily reimbursed, designated faculty development coordinator; development of a formal FDP with evaluation procedure including established criteria; and encouragement of regional and statewide joint sponsorship and coordination of events.