Supporting First-Year Assistant Professors at the University of Washington
The New Faculty Development Program (NFDP), founded by Professor Alexes Harris, is a university-wide initiative designed to welcome and support new tenure-track assistant professors across all three UW campuses. Centered on mentorship, equity, and professional growth, NFDP provides practical tools, candid conversations, and community connections to help you succeed in your first year—and throughout your career. Learn more about Professor Harris and her vision for NFDP, featured in University of Washington Magazine.
Why Join FDP?
Transitioning into a faculty role is exciting—and challenging. NFDP is here to help by offering:
- Mentorship & Guidance
Connect with senior faculty and peers to discuss everything from research strategy to navigating departmental culture. - Workshops & Learning Spaces
Learn about teaching, publishing, wellness, and more—all in a safe, inclusive environment. - Community & Belonging
Build relationships, celebrate milestones, and explore the Seattle area with colleagues who understand your journey.
Who Can Participate?
All first-time assistant tenure-track professors across disciplines and UW campuses are invited to join. Department Chairs will nominate new faculty each spring, and selected faculty will receive a welcome invitation and short survey to tailor programming to their needs.
Belonging & Collaboration
Join FDP, a program for new tenure-track assistant professors, to gain mentorship, build community, and grow through inclusive workshops and peer support.
Program Structure
FDP blends ongoing support with structured programming across your first year and beyond:
- Monthly Workshops
Interactive, in-person sessions focus on core themes of faculty success. Topics are flexible and responsive to your needs throughout the year. - Community Events
Quarterly celebrations, networking gatherings, and a guided tour of Seattle neighborhoods help new faculty explore the city and build meaningful connections.
Workshop Highlights
FDP typically hosts 4–5 workshops per year. Topics evolve with input from participants, but past examples include:
- Welcome & Orientation
Meet your cohort, explore the Seattle campus, and shape the year’s programming together. - Navigating the UW Administration & Shared Governance
Understand how the university works—from the Board of Regents to department chairs—and your role within it. - Finding Balance in Health & Career
Learn strategies to manage your responsibilities while prioritizing your wellness and personal goals. - Teaching & Mentoring
Discover UW’s teaching resources, course design strategies, and student support systems. - Research & Funding
Demystify grants, publishing, IRB processes, and research support at UW. - The Hidden Curriculum
Explore unspoken norms in academia, combat imposter syndrome, and gain tools to set boundaries and advocate for yourself.
Program Origins & Impact
Launched in 2021 as a pilot program focused on faculty of color and first-generation faculty, FDP has grown into a cornerstone of UW’s inclusive faculty development strategy. Evaluations show that participants deeply value cross-campus connections, space for honest conversation on equity and inclusion, guidance through complex university systems, and recognition and celebration of both personal and professional achievements.
Looking Ahead
In its next chapter, FDP will continue to evolve while preserving what works—meaningful mentorship, responsive programming, and intentional community-building. Whether you’re seeking practical advice or a sense of belonging, this is your space to grow and succeed at UW.
📩 Questions? Want to learn more?
Contact Dr. Alexes Harris at yharris@uw.edu