Author: NCFDD
Uncertainty is a defining feature of academia today. From shifting funding landscapes and evolving institutional priorities to broader political and social changes, faculty are continuously navigating unpredictable terrain. During our recent webinar, Navigating Change and Uncertainty in Higher Education: Approaches for Faculty, we explored strategies to manage these challenges, break the cycle of overwhelm, and take intentional action toward professional and personal goals.
One key takeaway? You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. Community and structured support are more important than ever in helping faculty sustain momentum, stay motivated, and take meaningful steps forward.
Understanding Uncertainty
Uncertainty in academia takes many forms—funding instability, job security concerns, enrollment shifts, and political pressures that affect teaching and research. During our session, attendees identified key sources of uncertainty, including:
- Research and grant funding availability
- Institutional budget constraints and hiring freezes
- Changes to DEI policies and academic freedom
- Career trajectory concerns, including tenure and promotion
- Student safety and institutional responses to political shifts
While uncertainty isn’t inherently negative, it can contribute to stress, anxiety, and cycles of overwhelm. Recognizing the impact of uncertainty is the first step in reclaiming agency.
Breaking the Cycle of Overwhelm
When faced with uncertainty, many faculty experience a familiar cycle: feeling powerless, overwhelmed by competing demands, procrastinating, and then experiencing guilt and pressure—only for the cycle to repeat. During the webinar, we explored five key strategies to disrupt this cycle and regain control:
- Embodied Actions – Recognizing that our bodies hold stress, faculty shared techniques like deep breathing, meditation, stretching, and movement to reduce tension and foster clarity.
- Shifting Environments – Sometimes, a change of scenery—stepping outside, altering workspaces, or removing oneself from toxic environments—can create a mental reset.
- Creating and Maintaining Boundaries – Setting limits on work time, reducing doomscrolling, and physically separating work and personal spaces can help manage stress.
- Seeking Support and Tapping Into Community – Faculty discussed the importance of accountability groups, mentorship, and structured programs like the Faculty Success Program (FSP) to stay on track.
- Assess & Adjust – Taking regular pauses to reflect on priorities, progress, and obstacles allows faculty to recalibrate and make necessary changes.
Reclaiming Agency: Acting Instead of Reacting
Uncertainty often makes it difficult to see where we have control. One approach discussed during the webinar was to activate our agency by focusing on intentional action:
- Identify Two Key Goals – Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to create clarity and momentum. For example, if securing research funding is a priority, a goal might be: “Identify two private foundations to apply to in the next week.”
- Brain Dump Stressors, Strengths, and Support Needs – Write down what’s weighing on you, what strengths you can leverage, and what institutional support you need.
- Sort & Prioritize – Cross out stressors beyond your control, circle areas where you can take action, and highlight resources that can fuel your next steps.
- Create a Plan (Action, Context, Time – ACT) – Set optimal and feasible timelines. For example, if pursuing grant funding, steps might include attending a university workshop on funding strategies or scheduling a meeting with a grant consultant.
Finding Funding in Uncertain Times: Replay of April 8 Webinar
One of the most pressing concerns for faculty is research funding. If you’re looking for strategies to secure funding in an unpredictable landscape, check out the next webinar in our Uncertainty series: Navigating Uncertainty in Higher Ed: Research Funding Strategies (Watch the recording).
This session provided actionable insights on identifying funding opportunities, crafting competitive applications, and navigating federal and private funding sources.
Moving Forward: Support, Structure, and Community
Uncertainty is inevitable, but faculty don’t have to face it alone. The Faculty Success Program (FSP) provides structured, accountability-based support to help faculty stay productive, manage work-life balance, and confidently advance their careers when nothing else feels certain. Other NCFDD resources, like webinars, virtual writing sessions, and challenges, offer additional tools to help faculty build sustainable routines.
As we move forward, consider: What small step can you take today to disrupt the cycle of overwhelm? What brings you joy in uncertain times? Whether it’s connecting with community, setting clear goals, or simply taking a deep breath, every intentional action is a step toward reclaiming agency in your academic journey.
For more insights and actionable strategies, watch the full webinar recording, which includes additional resources and highlights from the live chat.