The Office of Faculty Development (“OFD”) supports faculty in their roles as scholars, teachers, and members of the University and wider community. The OFD specifically addresses faculty development by assisting new and under-represented faculty in developing and advancing their careers while also supporting activities that showcase the experience and expertise of faculty at every stage – early career, mid-career and senior.

The Office coordinates a broad range of campus-wide programs as part of a pilot Mutual Mentoring Initiative funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. These programs and services include: new faculty orientation, faculty writing programs, mentor mapping seminars, preparing for tenure seminars, time management programs, and a new faculty website. Key to this Initiative is the seeding of department and school/college-driven projects that mentor new faculty, especially women and faculty of color.

Mary Deane Sorcinelli, Associate Provost for Faculty Development, directs the Office of Faculty Development, which reports directly to the Provost. Dr. Sorcinelli also provides oversight of the UMass Amherst Center for Teaching and represents the Provost’s Office at the Five Colleges through the Deans’ Council.

Jung Yun, Director of New Faculty Initiatives, directs the development of the Mutual Mentoring Initiative and provides advice and counsel to the Associate Provost on all issues related to new faculty development.

Allison Branch, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Psychology, serves as a graduate intern in the OFD.