Programs & Events
Know of an upcoming event that falls under the CAFÉ's purview? Email us at CAFE@tntech.edu and let us know!
Upcoming Workshops
- Tenure & Promotion
Tenure & Promotion Workshops
The schedule below outlines the workshop and support offerings for those involved in the Tenure & Promotion process for Fall 2026. To learn about information covered during previous workshops or for additional questions, please contact us at cafe@tntech.edu. View the Tenure Track Schedule here and visit the Faculty Handbook for additional information.
Please NoteThe TP Candidate Workshop is offered four times. Candidates only need to attend once to meet the requirement for applying for Tenure and/or Promotion.
Spring-Fall 2026
Date
Time
Location
Workshop
Registration
April 27 3:00-4:00 PM Teams TP Candidate Workshop Option 1 Closed May 11 9:00-10:00 AM Teams TP Candidate Workshop Option 2 Closed June 1 9:00-10:00 AM Teams TP Candidate Workshop Option 3 Closed August 24 3:00-4:00 PM Teams TP Candidate Workshop Option 4 Closed September 18 11:00 AM-12:00 PM LIB112 TP Peer Committee Chair Workshop Required for all Peer Committee Chairs - Research
Research Series
View our 2026-2027 Research Series below!
Qualitative Research Community of Practice
The CAFÉ is excited to continue our learning community for qualitative researchers. The Qualitative Research Community of Practice (QCoP) is designed to be an interdisciplinary group of Tennessee Tech faculty who are interested researchers, scholars, and practitioners focused on qualitative research methods. The group will meet once this semester to share ideas, build networks, and develop qualitative research skills. Register below to join this learning community and become a part of an active collaboration of qualitative research faculty.
- OLC Microlearning Library
OLC Microlearning Library
OLC’s Microlearning Library offers 25 skills-aligned modules designed for faculty, instructional support, leadership, and student services, with regular updates to keep your team at the forefront of digital education.
Hosted on OLC’s Canvas platform, each interactive module can be completed in less than hour.
Email cafe@tntech.edu to learn more.
- NCFDD
NCFDD Membership
The NCFDD is an independent professional development, training, and mentoring community composed of faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students from over 450 colleges and universities. Tennessee Tech is an institutional member of the NCFDD, allowing our faculty and staff access to the amazing resources provided through the NCFDD.
- Watermark
Fall Bookings
Throughout the semester, the Watermark Team will be available for individual assistance. You can book an appointment using the link below.
Date
Workshop/Training
Location
September 3 New Faculty Session LIB112 September 18 TP Peer Committee Chair Workshop LIB112 December 14 Watermark Drop-Ins LIB112 - New Faculty First Thursdays
New Faculty Orientation
August 6, 2026
8 AM-2:30 PM | Tech Pride Room RUC 101
New Faculty Orientation will take place on Thursday, August 6th from 8-2:30 PM in the RUC 101, Tech Pride Room. We look forward to welcoming our new faculty and helping those transitioning to new roles. For questions regarding orientation, please email cafe@tntech.edu.
Faculty Success & Developmental Pathways
September 3, 2026
11 AM-12 PM | LIB 112
Kick off the semester by exploring the many resources designed to support your success as a faculty member. This session highlights teaching and learning support through CAFE/CITL, online learning assistance from OLC, and professional development opportunities, including NCFDD, learning communities, and research series. We’ll also cover mentoring connections and an introduction to Watermark for goal-setting and annual evaluation documentation.
Teaching & Learning at Midterm
October 1, 2026
11 AM-12 PM | LIB 112
As the semester reaches its midpoint, join us to focus on teaching practices and student support strategies that make a difference. Learn more about course design resources, midterm grading processes, and how to connect students with support services such as Navigate 360 and technology support. We’ll also highlight student feedback tools like MIDS and SGIDS.
Finish Strong & End-of-Term Planning
November 5, 2026
11 AM-12 PM | LIB 112
Prepare to close out the semester with confidence while setting yourself up for future success. This session focuses on supporting student achievement through advising and referrals, gathering meaningful course feedback through IDEA evaluations and local evaluation processes, and planning ahead for spring teaching and professional development opportunities.
Wrap-Up & Relationship Building
December 3, 2026
11 AM-12 PM | LIB 112
Wrap up the semester by connecting with colleagues and campus resources in a relaxed, engaging format. This session features a mix-and-mingle experience with rotating resource stations, including teaching consultations for spring, student support mapping, research and grant planning, and opportunities for mentoring and professional growth.
October 23, 2026
IDEA Course Evaluations Session-Selecting Student Learning Objectives and Garnering Response Rates
Microsoft Teams | 12 PM
Get the most out of your course evaluation reports. The Office of Institutional Assessment, Research, & Effectiveness (IARE) will be hosting a session on the University’s course evaluation process. This session will provide an overview of the evaluation tool known as IDEA and the role of instructors in selecting the Student Learning Objectives most appropriate for their courses. When instructors select the most relevant objectives for their courses, course reports provide a better evaluation for what occurs in the classroom. Best practices will also be shared for garnering student participation and good response rates. For questions, please contact kharris@tntech.edu.
October 29, 2026
Divisive Concepts Legislation
Stonecipher 113 | 3 PM - 4 PM
Faculty and staff are invited to hear a presentation by our University Counsel about the state’s divisive concepts legislation on October 29. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions. This professional development workshop is sponsored by the University Counsel and the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning. To ensure sufficient seating, please register below. Please note, this event is only open to currently employed faculty and staff at Tennessee Tech University. Please email CAFÉ at cafe@tntech.edu with questions.