The College of Fine and Applied Arts is committed to facilitating a
high level of achievement and job satisfaction for Academic
Professional staff. Primary issues to be addressed include professional
development, mentoring and awards/recognition.

Professional Development

Engagement in activities on diverse levels (campus, local, regional,
and national) is crucial for academic/professional staff career growth.

1. Academic Professional staff are encouraged and requested to
participate in college-wide programs and committees and to represent
their units and the College on campus-wide issues.

2. The College will include Academic Professional staff in any plans
for college-wide communication (e.g. emails or website) identifying
upcoming research/plans/events to encourage collaboration among units
and to facilitate participation and attendance whenever possible.

3. Attendance at regional and national conferences and workshops is
recommended for the development and continuing education of Academic
Professional staff (e.g. the American Association of Museums conference
for Krannert Art Museum employees) in order to stay abreast of current
trends in the field.

4. Academic Professionals are encouraged to seek college-level and
campus-level support for conferences, seminars and workshops both on
and off campus. Examples of funding for this type of development are
FAA's Special Grant Funds and the Academic Professional Development
Fund administered through the Office of the Provost: http://www.provost.uiuc.edu/resources/Staff/APDF%20Guide%20and%20Instructions%20and%20Form%207-2008.pdf

5. Annual performance reviews will be conducted to discuss the Academic
Professional's progress, suggestions for improving performance, and
methods of enhancing participation in the unit.

Mentoring

The College of Fine and Applied Arts encourages Academic Professional
staff mentoring initiatives throughout the units in order to expand the
achievement of each staff member as well as benefit college programs.
it is recommended that new staff in particular be linked with senior
members to engage in mentoring relationships to orient them to the
College and ease the transition to their new positions.

Because of the wide range of characteristics and sizes among the units,
the College recognizes the need for the diversity in application of the
program. Units may develop the mentoring process that works best for
them, considering a mix of professional and personal, formal and
informal interaction.

To ensure a comprehensive and congenial experience during the mentoring
process, Academic Professionals may/should be linked with multiple
mentors, matching individuals from the employing unit, other FAA units,
and/or other University offices.

The intent of mentoring for Academic Professionals is to:

1. Acquaint each member with University and College requirements and processes that relate to their positions

2. Heighten communication regarding the college's ongoing strategies and mission

3. Continue training in specific areas to broaden the staff member's awareness of unit's initiatives

4. Introduce ideas for cross-disciplinary projects

5. Identify opportunities and resources for professional growth

6. Provide on-going encouragement, facilitate team camaraderie, assure
the success and self-sufficiency of the staff member, and promote
honest feedback regarding performance.

Points to be covered during mentoring process:

The unit executive officer will outline the appropriate scope of topics
for discussion. These will vary among units, but all should include
information that is consistent University wide-such as University
policies and administrative procedures, continuing education
opportunities, and campus support for staff development.

Awards

The College encourages nominations for the Chancellor's Academic Professional Award when appropriate.

Additional Initiatives

A college award has been created for Academic Professional employees: http://www.faa.uiuc.edu/Faculty+and+Staff/Administration

Further research will be done to gather information that will
facilitate gatherings for Academic Professionals to promote unit
interaction and connectivity. This information will be disseminated to
units.