NCFDD Programs

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities has been a proud institutional member of the NCFDD since 2016. NCFDD is a nationally recognized center dedicated to helping faculty, post-docs, and graduate students make successful transitions throughout their academic careers by providing professional development, training, and mentoring. To learn more about NCFDD's mission, please click here.

Twin Cities Medical School faculty members can sign up to become a member to receive institutional resources at no cost.

Membership includes access to:

  • The Monday Motivator (weekly email including productivity tips)
  • Monthly core curriculum, guest expert webinars, and multi-week courses
    The Career Center resources
  • Audio and video recordings, slides and transcripts from all webinars
  • Moderated monthly writing challenges and monthly mentor matches
  • Discount Faculty Success Program registration
  • Online accountability and tracking software to alumni of the Faculty Success Program
  • Private discussion forum for peer-mentoring and problem solving

To activate your UMN Institutional Membership:

  • Visit www.members.ncfdd.org/join
  • Fill in your registration information
  • Complete the registration process
  • You will receive a welcome email within 24 business hours confirming that your account is active and that you can access NCFDD resources

Expand all

Faculty Success Program

Faculty Success Program

Several faculty members from the Medical School have now participated in the Faculty Success Program (FSP). The FSP is the NCFDD's intensive virtual boot camp designed for faculty who are looking to increase research and writing productivity while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This 12-week program offers intensive coaching, weekly small group sessions, time tracking tools, master coach sessions, and peer support.

As a FSP participant, you will learn how to:

  • Set achievable personal and professional goals that align with your institution’s priorities and your own values.
  • Create a realistic and concrete plan to meet your goals.
  • Establish and maintain a healthy and sustainable daily writing habit.
  • Develop a publication portfolio that will exceed your institution's criteria for promotion.
  • Better manage your time spent on teaching, service, research, and writing so that it aligns with your goals.
  • Identify obstacles that are holding you back and strategies to move through them.
  • Prioritize your physical and emotional health.

The FSP is available during fall, spring, and summer. Faculty members can pay for this program on their own or seek departmental and/or collegiate support. To further assist with the cost, the Office of Faculty Affairs (OFA) will fund 50% of the program fee. Before officially registering, faculty members should contact OFA to confirm that funds are still available for the term. Once you are accepted into the program, our office will work directly with you to coordinate and secure that funding.

You can find more information about the NCFDD, how to activate your membership, and how to apply for the Faculty Success Program at the Faculty and Academic Affairs' website.

Upcoming FSP Cycles:
Fall Session: Sep. 14-Nov. 22, 2026
Spring Session: Jan. 25-Apr. 4, 2027

NCFDD Post-Tenure Pathfinders Program

NCFDD Post-Tenure Pathfinders Program

NCFDD's Post-Tenure Pathfinders Program is a 12-week virtual program designed to provide recently tenured faculty and mid-career academics with the space to reflect, explore possibilities, and build the support network necessary to move confidently into the next chapter of their careers. Participants leave the program feeling more focused, motivated, and prepared to take meaningful steps toward the next phase of their career. Benefits include:

  • Clarity on Your Career Direction
    • Move beyond uncertainty and define a future that aligns with your values and ambitions.
  • Stronger Leadership & Decision-Making Skills
    • Learn how to identify the right opportunities and confidently set boundaries.
  • Renewed Motivation & Purpose
    • Rediscover passion for your work and develop a clear vision for your long-term success.
  • Increased Career Satisfaction
    • Transition from feeling stuck or overwhelmed to taking intentional steps that support professional and personal well-being.
  • A Lasting Professional Network
    • Connect with like-minded faculty who share similar goals and challenges, offering continued support beyond the program.

While OFA does not provide matching support for this program, we encourage you to consider supporting faculty who would especially benefit from it.