Cultivating Excellence Across the Academic Journey
At the University of Washington, we believe that supporting faculty growth is essential to academic excellence and institutional impact. Our Faculty Development efforts are designed to foster individual success and drive meaningful organizational change—advancing equity, inclusion, and innovation at every stage of the faculty career.
We offer a range of opportunities including tailored workshops, leadership training, mentorship programs, and curated resources to help faculty thrive in their teaching, research, service, and clinical work. Our programs are grounded in a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, ensuring that faculty feel supported, connected, and empowered to pursue their goals.
Whether you’re launching your academic career or preparing for new leadership roles, our commitment is to provide the tools, relationships, and guidance needed to succeed—at UW and beyond.
Belonging & Collaboration Initiative
The Faculty Development Program—a belonging and collaboration initiative founded by UW Presidential Term Professor Alexes Harris—brings newly hired faculty together to build community, share experiences, and strengthen cross-disciplinary networks. Through cohort-based support and mentoring, the program fosters belonging from day one and reflects UW’s commitment to faculty success, inclusion, and collaboration across all stages of the academic journey.
Promotion Workshops
Offered throughout the year, Promotion Workshops equip faculty with the tools and guidance needed for a successful promotion. Designed for faculty at all stages, the session covers dossier preparation, promotion criteria, and effective presentation of accomplishments. Attendees hear directly from academic leaders and recently promoted peers, with time for questions and practical advice. Resources are provided to support continued planning and progress.
New Academic Leader Onboarding
The New Academic Leader Onboarding program, led by the Office for Academic Personnel & Faculty, supports UW faculty stepping into leadership roles. Through in-person and virtual sessions, speakers offer guidance on topics like equity, governance, and financial planning, providing a well-rounded foundation for success in academic leadership.
Leadership Success
Leadership Success is a collaborative initiative led by the Faculty Development team in partnership with Faculty Inclusive Excellence, Faculty Affairs, and colleagues across all three UW campuses. Currently in development, this effort is designed to create a connected and comprehensive network of resources and peers that supports the ongoing success of department chairs and other academic leaders.
Dean & Chancellor Leadership Series
The Dean and Chancellor Leadership Development Series is a professional development and support program designed for deans, chancellors, divisional deans, associate deans and associate vice chancellors, addressing topics of shared importance to department and unit leaders. This collaborative series is led by the office for Academic Personnel and Faculty and provides an engaging platform to explore essential themes in leadership and academia.
Leadership Development
A variety of leadership development opportunities are available for faculty and academic leaders at all career stages. As a member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance, the UW provides access to prestigious external programs including the Academic Leadership Program (ALP), the Department Executive Officer Program (DEO), and the Deans Leadership Program (DLP). In addition, UW sponsors the Conflict Engagement and Resolution Training—an interactive program that equips faculty and leaders with tools to navigate challenging conversations and promote collaborative academic environments. Each program enhances skills in management, communication, conflict resolution, faculty development, and strategic decision-making through shared expertise.