University of Virginia
PAE-9: Support Programs for Future Faculty

The Excellence in Diversity Fellows Program supports the University of Virginia’s commitment to making diversity an integral part of the institution’s educational excellence. This Fellowship Program cultivates new and diverse colleagues' connection to the University. In doing so, it helps them navigate the challenges of being junior faculty members and fulfill their potential as excellent teachers and researchers. Our goal is to invigorate the intellectual climate and the educational experience of our students by supporting our diverse faculty in building thriving long-term careers at the University of Virginia. The University also administers several faculty recruitment programs to promote a diverse faculty. The Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost offers financial and recruitment assistance to support the strategic goals of Schools in building a diverse faculty. In response to surveys of faculty who did not accept University employment offers, the University as identified dual career support as a key factor in recruiting a diverse faculty and has increased capabilities in this area. The "Leadership in Academic Matters" program is geared towards junior faculty who demonstrate leadership characteristics and potential. The program, a combination of lectures and experiential workshops, covers a range of topics relevant to becoming an effective leader: self-awareness, teamwork, negotiation, financial decision-making and conflict management. Also included are sessions on dealing with change, mitigating unconscious biases, talking to media and balancing work and personal life.