Programs & Events
Know of an upcoming event that falls under the CAFÉ's purview? Email us at CAFE@tntech.edu and let us know!
Spring 2026
- Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2025-2026 Academic Affairs Awards. We hope you will join us for the award reception in Fall 2026.
December 1, 2025 - February 27, 2026
Nominations Open for 2025-2026 Academic Affairs Awards
- New Faculty
New Faculty Orientation
August 13-14, 2025
8-2:30 PM | RUC 101
New Faculty Orientation will take place on Wednesday, August 13th and Thursday, August 14th 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.
Friday Focus
Join us for just-in time presentations on Friday's throughout the semester. These sessions are designed with new faculty in mind, but open to all faculty! Register below.
Fall 2025
Topic
Time/Location
Register
October 10, 2025
Volpe Library
12 PM / Library
Closed
October 31, 2025
IDEA & Course Outcomes Selection
12 PM/Teams
Closed February 20, 2026
IDEA Course Evaluations
11 AM / Teams
Register - Qualitative Community of Practice
Qualitative Community of Practice
The CAFÉ is excited to continue our learning community for faculty this fall. 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 three times this semester (dates below) to share ideas, build networks, and develop qualitative research skills. Register below to join this new learning community and become a part of an active collaboration of qualitative research faculty. You can register to join the QCoP at any point using the link below.
Spring 2026
Time
Location
February 12, 2026
11 AM-12 PM
Teams
March 12, 2026
11 AM-12 PM
Teams
April 9, 2026
11 AM-12 PM
Teams
February 12 Session
Dr. Andrea Arce-Trigatti and Ms. Aimee Klaschus will present a dual‑analysis study pairing qualitative inquiry with an activity systems analysis to examine how faculty engage with the assessment cycle, use institutional data, and develop Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) projects. The presentation will outline the study’s background, purpose, and methodological approach, followed by key findings from both analyses to offer a deeper understanding of the factors shaping faculty decision‑making and assessment practice.
March 12 Session
Dr. Luke Anderson will present on autoethnography, a method in which the researcher is also the participant. His work uses narrative, cultural examination, and subjective reflection to explore topics such as teacher stress and burnout, shifting educational dynamics, ethical research considerations, and family experiences.
April 9 Session
Session information coming soon!
- IDEA Evaluation: Interpreting Results
CITL Tech Tuesdays
Visit the CITL website for additional upcoming events every Tuesday at 11 AM focused on teaching and learning.
IDEA Evaluation: Interpreting Results
February 20, 2026
11:00 AM | Microsoft Teams
Get the most out of your course evaluation reports. The Office of Institutional Assessment, Research, & Effectiveness (IARE) will be hosting a session on interpreting your IDEA course evaluation reports. This session will review the components for the IDEA report and the types of scores and comparisons provided in the report. Instructors will gain a greater understanding of how the SLOs selected for their courses impact the summary evaluation score and the five key questions that IDEA course evaluations seek to answer. Contact kharris@tntech.edu with questions.
- Tenure & Promotion
Tenure & Promotion Workshops
The schedule below outlines the workshop and support offerings for those involved in the Tenure & Promotion process for Fall 2025. 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.
Fall 2025
Date
Time
Location
Workshop
Registration
August 6 3:00 PM Teams/DBRY200 TP Workshop for Department Chairs and School Directors Closed August 12 3:00 PM Teams/DBRY200 TP Workshop for Department Chairs and School Directors Closed August 19 3:00 PM Teams TP Candidate Workshop Closed September 17 3:00 PM Bell Hall 260 TP Committee Chair Workshop Closed - Research
- 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
Spring Bookings
Throughout the semester, the Watermark Team will be available for individual assistance. You can book an appointment using the link below.
Spring 2025
Date
Workshop/Training
Location
January 12 Watermark Drop-ins LIB112