Third Annual Junior Faculty Consortium Report (2008)

The Third Annual Junior Faculty Consortium (JFC) was held on Wednesday, April 9, 2008. Twenty-four participants from around the world learned about enhancing their research, improving their publication efforts, teaching more effectively, and putting together the all-important tenure package.

The morning started with an informal networking session followed by presentations about conducting high-impact research. Stephen Gilliland, Scott Morris, and Miguel Quiñones discussed the development and progress of their respective programs of research and some of the challenges they experienced along the way. After lunch the JFC attendees were treated to the editorial insights of Peter Bamberger, Michael Burke, Scott Highhouse, Lynn Shore, and Lois Tetrick. The panelists discussed the review process, impact factors, and the submission process. The “How I Managed the Tenure Process and Remained Reasonably Sane” panel, presented by Lisa Finkelstein, Quinetta Roberson, Chet Robie, and Paul Tesluk, was both informative and fun. In this JFC tradition, attendees heard some of the do’s and don’ts of being a junior faculty member as well as a few “colorful” stories that reminded those in attendance of the need to keep things in perspective and find the right person–job fit. The final session of the JFC focused on getting undergraduates more involved and excited about the field of I-O psychology. Mark Agars, Peter Bachiochi, Michelle (Mikki) Hebl, and Janet Kottke shared their thoughts, experiences, and some best practices with the JFC participants. JFC participants, panelists, and alumni gathered afterwards for drinks, conversation, and more networking.

Some JFC participants have been in academia for a few years and some were considering a transition into an academic position. The postconsortium survey revealed that JFC participants enjoyed the diversity of the topics and the sincerity of the panelists. As one attendee said at the end of the day, “This answered questions that I didn’t even know I should be asking!” The JFC is an opportunity for pretenure faculty to learn from those who have successfully run the gauntlet of tenure and promotion. On behalf of the all of the 2008 JFC attendees, we thank the panelists for their time, effort, and tutelage. We thank Wendy S. Becker, Joyce E. Bono, and James L. Farr for allowing us to take the reins of the JFC, and we are looking forward to another great JFC in New Orleans. Laissez les bon temps rouler!