Work In Progress: College Faculty Development - Systems Engineering and the West Point Way

Over half of the instructors at the United States Military Academy are rotating military faculty members who are officers in the U.S. Army. Most have obtained advanced degrees from some of the most prestigious universities in the nation and are obligated to teach three years at West Point. By virtue of their leadership experiences and educational qualifications, these officers constitute a valuable resource. They not only teach a majority of the cadets at West Point, but they also serve as exemplary role models for the cadets. However, exceptional military service and impeccable academic credentialing do not necessarily confirm that these officers will be knowledgeable and proficient undergraduate instructors. Therefore, prior to the start of each academic year the Department of Systems Engineering conducts a faculty development workshop aimed at ensuring rotating faculty members enter their first classroom assignments as capable, competent, and confident instructors