Campus Closure Support

This workshop is designed to support non-tenure-line faculty members navigating the challenges of a campus closure. We will cover how to discover and be considered for employment opportunities at other Penn State campuses and understand contractual and severance rights. Participants will also learn where to find reliable information about the impacts of closures and what resources are available to support career transitions. We will discuss strategies for managing the emotional effects of sudden displacement and provide practical guidance for navigating transitions.

This workshop is designed to support tenured and tenure-line faculty members navigating the challenges of a campus closure. We will discuss the implications for tenure and contractual rights and how decisions regarding employment opportunities at other Penn State campuses will be made. Participants will also learn how to advocate for consideration at other campuses, where to find information on campus closure impacts, and what resources are available to facilitate career transitions and address the emotional aspects of displacement.

This workshop is designed to support campus leaders—chancellors, vice chancellors, directors of academic affairs, and other administrators—as they navigate the complex responsibilities of a campus closure. Presenters will provide essential guidance on legal and HR considerations, effective communication with stakeholders, supporting displaced faculty and staff, and maintaining transparency and morale during periods of uncertainty. The session will offer tools for ethical decision-making, strategies for managing emotional impacts across the campus community, and resources to assist with professional transitions. Participants will also learn where to find reliable closure-related information and how to develop a campus-specific response plan aligned with institutional goals and values.

As experienced faculty members navigate transitions due to campus closures or program restructuring, it’s essential to have the right tools and strategies to move forward with confidence. This workshop is designed specifically for seasoned academics looking to refresh their career planning skills and prepare for new professional opportunities by guiding participants through key aspects of career transitions, including updating CVs and resumes, crafting impactful cover letters, searching for job opportunities, and mastering interview techniques.

This session is designed to help faculty navigate the emotional challenges of transition with practical strategies for building resilience and maintaining well-being. As campus closures and program cuts can create uncertainty and stress, this workshop offers guidance on managing change with confidence, focusing on self-care, emotional regulation, and maintaining a positive mindset. Participants will gain insights into coping strategies, learn techniques for mental wellness, and leave with tools to foster personal resilience during uncertain times.

This session equips faculty with the skills and strategies needed to support students during periods of institutional change, including campus closures or program cuts. Focusing on practical advising, pedagogical adjustments, academic support services, and student well-being, the workshop will cover key topics such as guiding students through change of campus procedures, addressing their concerns with empathy, referring students to resources for academic support, and adapting teaching methods to accommodate changes like smaller class sizes or altered course structures. Additionally, participants will explore approaches to promoting student resilience and well-being during transitions, fostering a supportive learning environment, and maintaining engagement despite uncertainty.

This workshop series equips faculty with the knowledge and strategies needed to plan for retirement effectively. This session covers the academic aspects of transitioning out of a full-time faculty role. Topics include phased retirement options, maintaining research and IT access, preserving library privileges, and exploring post-retirement teaching opportunities. The workshop will also address exit interviews, ongoing engagement through the Emeritus Academy, and insights from a retired faculty panel. This workshop couples nicely with the retirement workshop offered through HR which will cover the logistics of retiring from Penn State. Find dates for HR offerings in their Guide to Retirement online workbook.

Zoom Link: https://psu.zoom.us/j/99667254468?pwd=bI9QVAW4dba9d8PiEabEG1iCe16W6J.1