The Office of the Provost held a Networking Reception for Underrepresented Minority Faculty on Oct. 22, 2019, giving an opportunity for faculty from underrepresented backgrounds to socialize, network, connect, and discuss and share ideas relating to a wide range of topics in recruitment, retention, engagement, promotion, research, teaching and more.
The reception was part of the university’s efforts to take action in implementing the recommendations of the Commission for the Next Generation of Faculty, which seeks to build Georgia State as a national leader in faculty representation and belonging; specifically, to improve the building of community, which was identified as a need by faculty.
Attendees represented a wide range of colleges, departments, schools and geographic locations, including faculty from Perimeter College campuses who braved metro Atlanta’s rush-hour traffic to attend the event.
The event kicked off with an ice-breaker game (a type of “bingo” that had attendees talking to one another and socializing), followed by conversations around tables about different topics. Topics were divided among the tables, and included community engagement and outreach, navigating the promotion and tenure process, international engagement, grants and fellowships, writing groups and retreats, interdisciplinary research collaboration, innovations in teaching, and other topics.
Following these conversations, attendees provided feedback and ideas generated from their discussions with the Provost’s Office and the Office of Faculty Affairs.
The Provost closed the event by requesting future ideas about creating further opportunities to build connections.
Attendees who would like a copy of a photo taken at the reception can contact Jeremy Craig at [email protected] for further assistance.
Interested in the report and Georgia State’s next steps? Please visit https://provost.gsu.edu/commission-report/.
Networking Reception for Underrepresented Minority Faculty: Photo Gallery
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Photography: John Amis
Text: Jeremy Craig