2027 NCA Institute for Faculty Development

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Description

The NCA Institute for Faculty Development supports undergraduate faculty in communication pedagogy and scholarship of teaching and learning, including ongoing changes and issues in Communication theory and research. This five-day virtual conference, supported by NCA’s Teaching & Learning Council, offers participants the opportunity to connect with fellow undergraduate scholar-teachers and learn from leading scholars in the field. 

Originally aimed at attracting faculty from smaller colleges and universities, the Institute has been hosted by Hope College (Holland, MI), Randolph-Macon College (Ashland, VA), Denison University (Granville, OH), University of Nevada, Reno (online), and Duquesne University (Pittsburgh and online). 

The Institute is held annually at a selected host institution. Up to 70 participants are chosen through a competitive application process. All attendees at the time of application must be NCA members.  

Proposals are being accepted for hosting upcoming iterations of the NCA Institute for Faculty Development. Proposals for one-, two-, and three-year hosts are accepted, and multi-year hosts are preferred. The 2027 Host will receive $10,000 (subject to Legislative Assembly approval), and Host applicants may propose a virtual or in-person event; hosts must return any unused funds. Please see the “Event Description and Host Expectations” section for a general description of the Institute and other expectations of hosts.  

The NCA Institute for Faculty Development is typically formatted as a five-day event, with sessions beginning on Monday and ending on Friday.  

To accommodate attendees on either the semester system or quarter system, the Institute cannot start before Monday, June 15, 2027; must finish by July 31, 2027; and cannot overlap with any other NCA event. 

Participants are expected to attend sessions every day.   

Traditionally, the Institute has a “Scholar-in-Residence,” a faculty member who meets with participants in a mentoring/coaching role, but who may or may not facilitate a session. The “Scholar-in-Residence” should be accessible throughout the day and make time for scheduled meetings upon request.  

It is expected that hosts will be engaged with the NCA Research Department throughout the planning process.  

Rules

Institutions interested in hosting the NCA Institute for Faculty Development should complete a proposal for review by the Teaching and Learning Council. Proposal deadlines are listed at the end of this document. Proposals should contain the following: 

  1. A one-page, single-spaced cover letter with the name of the college/university, the name of the proposal submitter, contact information for the submitter, detailing how the institute addresses the NCA Strategic Plan and IDEA framework.  
  2. A narrative of no more than single-spaced three pages that addresses the following:  
  3. Rationale for hosting the NCA Institute for Faculty Development. 
  4. Resources currently available for hosting the NCA Institute for Faculty Development (virtual conference proposals should focus on technology and staff availability).  
  5. tentative list of topics (inc. learning outcomes) to be covered by session facilitators, including IDEA topics. Topics should be aligned with NCA’s strategic plan. 
  6. Tentative list of 20 diverse possible session facilitators with affiliations and email addresses.  
  7. Principal organizer and abbreviated CV that includes affiliation, phone number, and email address.  
  8. List of co-organizers and/or key staff involved in the planning, organization, or management of the event, along with their roles in the event, affiliations, phone numbers, and email addresses.  
  9. Expected number of participants.  
  10. Marketing plan (website, flyers, emails, targeted messaging, etc.) with deadlines, ensuring that an optimally diverse audience is reached with Institute information.  
  11. A detailed budget explaining how NCA funds will be used, any participant costs expected, if any (registration fee, etc.), and any matching funds available (if applicable).  

 

Upon completion of the Institute, list assessment/programs for the participants to achieve the following learning outcomes: 

Learning Outcomes 

  1. Design innovative, evidence-based communication pedagogy and student-centered learning experiences that measurably support student success and advance NCA’s strategic teaching standards.  
  2. Evaluate inclusive curricula, assignments, and assessment practices that systematically embed NCA’s IDEA principles to promote equity, access, and belonging for diverse student bodies. 
  3. Integrate emerging communication research, theories, and industry trends into undergraduate instruction to prepare students for effective engagement in diverse workplaces and communities. 
  4. Organize collaborative professional networks and mentoring frameworks that cultivate leadership, foster educator community-building as a cohort, and drive NCA’s long-term goals for disciplinary vitality.