Author: NCFDD
Uncertainty is a constant in higher education today. As we conclude the Navigating Uncertainty webinar series with the final session, Building Resilience, we reflect on how faculty and academic leaders can embrace change and adapt to the challenges of an unpredictable academic environment. From funding instability to the personal and professional pressures faculty face, navigating uncertainty requires more than just resilience—it requires actionable strategies that empower those in higher education to thrive instead of merely surviving.
If you missed any part of the series or want to revisit the conversation, read along.
Creating Stability in the Midst of Change: What Faculty Face Today
In the first part of the Navigating Uncertainty series, we dove into the various forms of uncertainty that are impacting faculty across higher education. From the pressures of securing research funding to shifting institutional priorities, faculty are often at the mercy of forces beyond their control. Yet, recognizing that uncertainty is not always inherently negative is a crucial first step. It’s about navigating the unknown with intention.
The Key Challenge: Overcoming the Overwhelm of Uncertainty
Many faculty members experience a cycle of stress, procrastination, and guilt in response to the uncertainty they face. The key to breaking this cycle is understanding what you can control and taking proactive steps to regain momentum. In Part 1, we explored practical ways to combat the overwhelm:
- Embodied Actions: Recognizing that stress affects us physically, we discussed techniques like deep breathing, stretching, and movement to manage tension and refocus.
- Shifting Environments: Sometimes, a change of scenery—whether stepping outside or rearranging your workspace—can provide the mental clarity needed to reset.
- Seeking Support and Building Community: The importance of structured support systems, such as accountability groups or programs like the Faculty Success Program (FSP), was emphasized. Faculty don’t have to navigate uncertainty alone.
Actionable Steps to Reclaim Control
Instead of simply reacting to challenges, we encouraged faculty to take intentional action. By setting SMART goals and regularly reassessing their priorities, faculty can shift from feeling powerless to empowered. These small, manageable steps can lead to greater clarity and a renewed sense of agency.
Watch the full recording for Navigating Uncertainty in Higher Ed: Strategies for Faculty Webinar Recording here.
Securing Research Funding: Diversifying Your Approach
The second session focused on one of the biggest concerns for faculty: research funding. With shrinking federal grants and an increasingly competitive landscape, many faculty members feel stuck and unsupported when it comes to securing the financial resources needed for their work. But, as we discussed, uncertainty in funding doesn’t have to be an insurmountable obstacle.
The Key Challenge: Navigating a Shifting Funding Landscape
The volatility of federal funding is just one piece of the puzzle. Faculty often feel isolated when it comes to navigating these competitive and complex funding processes. So, how can you stay resilient in the face of shrinking funding sources?
Key Strategy: Diversify Funding Sources
One of the most crucial steps is to move beyond traditional funding streams. In Part 2, we explored practical strategies to secure research funding in this uncertain climate:
- Look Beyond Federal Grants: Diversifying your funding sources is key. Consider applying for grants from private foundations, local government programs, or even corporate partnerships. These smaller, often less competitive funding opportunities can provide stability and allow you to keep your research moving forward.
- Small Grants, Big Impact: Smaller operational grants can be just as valuable as large federal awards. They may not come with the prestige, but they can provide the immediate resources necessary to maintain research momentum.
- Adapt Your Proposals to Current Priorities: In a changing funding landscape, adapting your proposal language to reflect the current priorities of funding bodies is essential. This doesn’t mean changing your research, but aligning your work with the language and expectations of funders to show its relevance in today’s context.
Watch the full recording for Navigating Uncertainty in Higher Ed: Research Funding Strategies here.
Leading Through Uncertainty: Supporting Faculty in Times of Crisis
As we moved into the third part of the Navigating Uncertainty series, the focus shifted to academic leaders and the role they play in supporting faculty during uncertain times. Leadership in higher education requires more than just making decisions—it requires fostering a culture of care and resilience that can help faculty and staff not just survive but thrive.
The Key Challenge: Providing Meaningful Support with Limited Resources
Academic leaders often feel the weight of providing faculty with the support they need while dealing with their own set of challenges. The expectation to support faculty, manage budgets, and address institutional priorities can feel overwhelming. But through strategic action, leaders can foster a supportive and resilient academic community.
Key Strategy: Low-Lift Institutional Practices for Support
During this session, we discussed the importance of low-lift institutional practices that can make a significant difference in faculty well-being without adding additional administrative burden. These strategies include:
- Revising workload policies: By modifying workload policies or offering bridge funding, academic leaders can support faculty without overwhelming them with additional administrative tasks.
- Embedding well-being in policy: We also highlighted how well-being should be a shared responsibility. Academic leaders should prioritize well-being by revising tenure and promotion criteria to recognize emotional labor and mentorship, ensuring faculty have the support they need to succeed.
Actionable Steps for Leaders
- Foster cross-institutional networks for faculty to share resources and strategies. This creates a sense of solidarity and collective resilience.
- Be transparent in communication, offering regular updates about institutional priorities and how faculty can adapt to changing circumstances.
Watch the full recording for Navigating Uncertainty in Higher Ed: Approaches for Academic Leaders here.
Building Resilience for the Future
The final webinar in the Navigating Uncertainty series brought everything together. After reflecting on the challenges faced by faculty and academic leaders in the first three sessions, this webinar emphasized the importance of building long-term resilience, both for individuals and institutions. The goal is not merely to survive uncertainty but to find ways to thrive in it.
Key Strategy: Focus on What You Can Control
While there’s much beyond our control, what we can control is our response. Whether through diversifying funding sources, advocating for faculty well-being, or creating supportive networks, each step we take contributes to building a more resilient academic environment.
As we continue to face the uncertainties of the future, the strategies discussed in this series provide a roadmap for navigating these challenges. By taking intentional action, fostering community, and embracing flexibility, we can emerge stronger and more unified.
Watch the Full Webinar Recording
For a deeper dive into the insights shared throughout the final session and to reflect on the full series, watch the recording of Navigating Uncertainty in Higher Ed: Building Resilience here.