The College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) in collaboration with the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) and Departmental Leadership is offering cohort-based support for instructional innovation through its Faculty Learning Communities (FLCs).

Participating in CSM's FLCs is an opportunity for teams of faculty to receive guided support as they work together to design and implement instructional innovations that contribute to a broader range of students developing the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in science and mathematics. The topics and target courses will be determined by each department, need to be aligned with the CSM Strategic Plan (SIPs, see Appendix 1), and include measurable outcomes collected by the end of Fall 25. In addition, all FLCs address the following goals:

  1. implement research-based pedagogical practices shown to foster positive and engaging learning environments and increase student success in science and mathematics;
  2. provide authentic learning experiences with intentional opportunities for student engagement with the material and with each other.

2025 FLC teams will meet regularly during the spring semester and early summer to a) deepen their learning, b) design and pilot their instructional innovation, and c) develop plans for full implementation of the innovation in the fall with metrics for measuring success. Some collaborative teams join the FLC with an innovation idea in mind while others develop their ideas throughout the FLC experience. In addition, FLC participants are expected to share their learnings, materials, and resources with other CSM faculty teaching in their courses.

Full-time CSM faculty who are scheduled to teach with Kennesaw State University (KSU) during the Spring 25 and Fall 25 semesters are encouraged to participate in a CSM FLC. Each FLC participant will receive $1500 in summer salary in June 2025. If available, and in negotiation with the department chair, full-time faculty may be able to choose to receive one course release for the 2025-2026 academic year in lieu of receiving the summer salary. In order to receive the incentive, participants must meet the expected outcomes criteria (including plans for sharing what you learn with other CSM faculty and submitting the summer deliverable) and be employed by KSU at the time of the expenditure.

Please speak with your Department Chair to discuss your participation in the 2025 FLC. Departments will submit their FLC plans by January 24th, 2025. FLC teams begin working together in February 2025 and continue through June 30th, 2025. You will be notified by your Dept. Chair of your status by January 29th, 2025.

Questions about the CSM FLC should be directed to:

Name
Position

  • Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for College of Science and Mathematics and Professor of Biology

    sreese3@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6168
    SL 5012

    Website

FAQ

  • Yes, we will consider Departmental Priority FLC Team proposals.
  • There may be some information sharing sessions across FLC teams, but there will not be regular meetings to bring all FLC teams together. Individual FLC teams will meet regularly to work toward their goals.
  • The FLC incentive does count toward your summer workload. In order to receive summer compensation, it is your responsibility to verify your summer salary and that by participating in the FLC you will not exceed your summer workload limit. If such a limit is reached, your stipends may be converted to professional development funds. Funds are nontransferable to other uses or faculty.
  • Full-time CSM faculty who are scheduled to teach with Kennesaw State University during the Spring 25 and Fall 25 semesters are encouraged to participate in a CSM FLC. Teams may consist of any combination of junior and senior faculty, tenured or untenured, and new or returning FLC participants.
  • Please speak with your Department Chair to discuss your participation in the 2025 FLC. Departments will submit their FLC plans by January 24th, 2025. FLC teams begin working together in February 2025 and continue through June 30th, 2025. You will be notified by your Dept. Chair of your status by January 29th, 2025.