CvFolder Blog

The journey towards tenure can be both challenging and rewarding for academics. It's a process that varies from one institution to another, and understanding what goes into your tenure portfolio is crucial. In this special request post, we'll break down the essential elements of a tenure portfolio and offer valuable advice to help you prepare effectively for this significant milestone in your academic career. ...continue

For many academic faculty members, achieving tenure represents a significant milestone in their careers. However, the journey doesn't end there. Once you attain tenure, you'll face another crucial checkpoint in your academic journey – the post-tenure evaluation. In this blog post, we'll explore what post-tenure evaluation is, why it's important to be prepared for it, and what items you should have ready for your post-tenure dossier or portfolio. ...continue

Reaching the pinnacle of one's academic career, achieving tenure, is a significant milestone in the life of a professor. It signifies years of hard work, dedication, and contributions to the academic community. However, tenure is not the end of the road; it is merely a waypoint in an ongoing journey of academic growth and development. Post-tenure review is a crucial process that ensures faculty members continue to excel and evolve in their roles. In this blog post, we will explore the key elements that make up a post-tenure academic portfolio, offering insights and guidance to help faculty members navigate this important phase of their career. ...continue

In the world of academia, where tenure and promotion decisions can shape careers, the role of external reviewers is pivotal. They provide an unbiased assessment of a faculty member's scholarly contributions. But how do you find these elusive reviewers who can offer valuable insights into your work? Let's embark on a journey to demystify this process, which I like to call the search for competent reviewers in the wild. ...continue

One of the most meaningful ways faculty members can support their students' academic and career aspirations is by writing compelling letters of recommendation. These letters play a crucial role in helping students secure scholarships, internships, graduate school admissions, and job opportunities. However, writing a strong recommendation requires careful thought and attention to detail. In this guide, we'll explore the key elements of a successful recommendation letter and provide you with a sample letter for reference. ...continue

As a faculty member in higher education, maintaining a well-organized dossier is paramount for personal record keeping, employment applications, tenure and promotion, performance reviews, grant applications, professional development, institutional reviews, awards and recognition, networking and collaboration, and post-tenure reviews. A meticulously crafted dossier not only showcases your accomplishments but also facilitates a smooth and impactful journey through academia. In this guide, we'll explore what makes an effective dossier for each of these purposes. ...continue

Post-tenure review: those three words can send shivers down the spine of even the most accomplished faculty members. But fear not; post-tenure review is not a punishment but rather an opportunity for growth and improvement in your academic career. In this blog post, we’ll delve into what post-tenure review entails, how to navigate it successfully, and share inspiring stories of faculty members who emerged stronger on the other side. ...continue

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools have become increasingly prevalent in education, offering students powerful resources for various tasks. However, the use of these tools can raise questions about academic integrity and ethical considerations. Faculty and instructors play a crucial role in setting clear expectations for students regarding the use of generative AI. In this blog post, we'll explore how to include an AI Policy in your course syllabi, addressing whether and how generative AI tools can be used. ...continue

Landing a college faculty position is a competitive endeavor, and your cover letter plays a pivotal role in making a lasting impression on hiring committees. A well-crafted cover letter not only introduces you but also highlights your qualifications, experiences, and passion for teaching and research. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of writing an effective cover letter for college faculty positions, complete with a sample for your reference. ...continue

Teaching is not just about sharing knowledge; it's about inspiring and engaging students to learn. Regardless of whether you're a seasoned professor or new to the world of teaching, your preparation and attitude play a crucial role in creating an interactive and enriching classroom experience. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of thorough lecture preparation and provide practical steps to ensure you deliver every lecture with confidence and effectiveness. ...continue