About the Ivy+ FAN Institute
The Institute is yearlong program for Ivy+ Provost Leadership Fellows selected from the most competitive research universities in the United States.
Fellows meet virtually and in-person to interrogate how systems shape the academic profession and to understand the difference faculty can make in reshaping it.
The program is designed to help faculty leaders in the work they are already doing as chairs, heads, and in similar academic leadership roles.
In addition to taking local action, Fellows conclude by designing and proposing multi-university, equity-minded initiatives to a panel of subject matter experts. These capstones become shovel-ready projects for local or foundation support—or for Fellows to advance on their own.
Fellows will leave with new tools of leadership, like-minded partners, and support from the highest levels for leading changes demonstrated to advance a more inclusive excellence in their units.
Scaling impact, FAN universities deploy the Institute’s videos, workbooks, and other best-in-class resources for their faculty diversity and development programs.
Institute Schedule
Fall [IN-PERSON]: Fellows meet their “crews,” critically reflect, and establish expectations for the “inquiries” to come. [2 days/2 nights]
Winter [VIRTUAL]: Fellows explore the “discretionary spaces” where faculty have the greatest impact on — or against — equity in their departments. [every 4 to 6 weeks]
Spring [IN-PERSON]: Fellows consolidate the year’s learning into proposals for shovel-ready systemic change initiatives. [3 days/2 nights]
The Ivy+ Provost Leadership Fellows
Ivy+ Provost Leadership Fellows are selected by members of FAN’s Steering Committee (often in consultation with deans) from the tenured ranks of their institutions. Fellows are typically department chairs/heads, associate deans, center or institute directors, or other faculty facing similar leadership portfolios.
Inquiries into the ‘Discretionary Spaces’ of Faculty
In the vernacular of the FAN Institute, “inquiries” tackle discretionary spaceswhere just one faculty member can make an outsized impact on equity. Participants in an inquiry engage scholarship (What is happening out there?), evidence (What is happening in my department?), and practice (What can I do from my current position?).
Each Institute inquiry has three parts:
A “masterclass”-style video introduction to the module by a nationally-acclaimed expert [~25 minutes]
An interactive working session—some in person, some virtual—led by the expert [90 minutes]
A debrief with campus colleagues and/or a cross-consortium “crew” [30-60 minutes]
SERVICE & WORKLOADS
KerryAnn O’Meara, Ph.D.
Teachers College, Columbia University
GRADUATE ADMISSIONS
Julie R. Posselt, Ph.D.
University of Southern California
SEARCHES & HIRING
Damani White-Lewis, Ph.D.
University of Pennsylvania
MENTORSHIP
Kimberly A. Griffin, Ph.D.
University of Maryland
CULTURE & CLIMATE
Sharon Fries-Britt, Ph.D.
University of Maryland
excellence, merit & peer review
Abigail Stewart, Ph.D.
University of Michigan
Institute Prologues: Equity-minded Leadership & Diversity’s Imperative
Estela Bensimon, Ph.D.
University of Southern California
Click above to view Prof. Estela Bensimon’s contribution to the Ivy+ Institute on Inquiry, Equity & Leadership in the Academic Department.
Daryl G. Smith, Ph.D.
Claremont Graduate School
Click above to view Prof. Daryl G. Smith’s contribution to the Ivy+ Institute on Inquiry, Equity & Leadership in the Academic Department.
How do I learn more?
If you are a prospective Fellow, contact your FAN Steering Committee representative to learn more about the Institute on Inquiry, Equity, and Leadership in the Academic Department. If you are a prospective Inquiry leader or you are an outside organization looking to learn more about this initiative, contact FAN’s Executive Director.