UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Center for Faculty Development and Advancement (CFDA) has announced a professional development series, "SPARK: Supporting Program Advisors through Reflective Knowledge Sharing," designed to support Penn State faculty serving in academic leadership roles. This initiative provides specific, practical guidance for those who oversee degree programs and academic initiatives across the University.
The SPARK program is tailored for program chairs, graduate program heads, program directors, professors-in-charge, and others within the Penn State community who carry responsibilities in academic leadership. Through sessions facilitated by experienced faculty leaders and university administrators, SPARK aims to create an informal, peer-supported space where academic leaders can engage in meaningful dialogue, share insights, and explore real-world strategies on critical topics.
“The faculty who lead our academic programs play a pivotal role in student success, curriculum oversight and strategic planning,” said Ann Clements, associate vice provost for Faculty Affairs and CFDA director. “SPARK is designed to meet their unique professional development needs and connect them with the university-wide expertise, tools and networks that can help them thrive.”
Each session will focus on a timely topic, such as onboarding faculty and graduate students, managing student concerns, course scheduling, unit-level strategic planning and much more, offering space for open Q&A, peer dialogue and facilitated sharing.
Spring 2026 SPARK sessions include:
- 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 19 — “Students in Crisis” — This session will be moderated by Leigh Ann Haefner, interim vice chancellor, academic affairs, Penn State Altoona
- 1 to 2 p.m. Apr. 1 — “The Space Between: Navigating Difficult Moments with Intention” — This session will be led by Nicole Webster, associate dean for faculty affairs and diversity, equity, and inclusion, College of Health and Human Development
For more information and the Zoom link for all sessions, visit the SPARK page at cfda.psu.edu.
All sessions will be listed on the CFDA professional development calendar and are open to Penn State academic leaders and faculty from across all campuses.
The Center for Faculty Development and Advancement is part of Penn State Faculty Affairs.