Support for Faculty and Staff

Office for Faculty Advancement (OFA)

The Office for Faculty Advancement (OFA) plays a crucial role in supporting faculty members who are facing difficult situations in the classroom or dealing with various student behavior concerns.  The Office for Faculty Advancement offers: 

1. Consultation and Advice: The OFA offers one-on-one consultations to faculty members, allowing them to discuss their concerns and seek advice on handling difficult situations or student behavior concerns. These consultations, which take place with experienced staff members, can provide insights, concrete strategies, and offer guidance. 

2. Training and Professional Development: The OFA, in partnership with the Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT) offers training sessions, workshops, and seminars for faculty members to enhance their classroom management skills and equip them with effective strategies for dealing with challenging situations. These sessions cover topics such as conflict resolution, student engagement techniques, fostering a positive classroom environment, and managing student behavior concerns. 

3. Resources and Best Practices: The OFA and CELT provide faculty members with a range of resources, including articles, books, case studies, and online materials, which address various classroom challenges and student behavior concerns. CELT, additionally, consults with instructors on any matters related to classroom management and teaching strategies. These resources can serve as references and help faculty members gain a deeper understanding of effective practices for managing difficult situations. 

4. Policy and Procedure Guidance: The OFA provides faculty members with information about institutional policies and procedures related to behavior concerns or difficult situations in the classroom. This guidance ensures that faculty members understand the available options, reporting mechanisms, and any disciplinary processes that may be in place. 

Overall, the Office for Faculty Advancement serves as a valuable resource for faculty members, offering them professional support, guidance, and tools to effectively navigate difficult situations in the classroom and address student behavior concerns. 

Those who serve in a director, chair, or dean role are often available to consult with faculty regarding their concerns and assist in developing a plan of support. The administrative staff in your program, department, or college is also knowledgeable about support services and can aid in connecting you to people or resources. Additionally, your colleagues and peers are a wealth of knowledge and support. Reach out to these people in your areas as you feel comfortable and as it feels appropriate based on the level of the concern or issue. 

Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT)

The Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching works collaboratively with instructors, staff, and administrators at the University of Kentucky to support engaging, inclusive, and innovative learning environments in which all students and instructors have the opportunity to succeed. We work with individuals, groups/cohorts, departments, colleges, administrative offices, and University-wide initiatives to build on our collective wisdom and realize new possibilities for teaching and learning. 

CELT offers consultations with instructors on any matters related to teaching, including class management and difficult situations. CELT also facilitates midterm student feedback and hosts events for instructors on topics of interest and concern. All members of the UK teaching community are welcome to reach out to CELT. 

Academic Ombud

University of Kentucky Academic Ombud Services provides an independent, confidential space for students and faculty to receive advice and guidance regarding any academic issue.  The Academic Ombud Services staff helps resolve conflicts by thinking creatively about solutions, empowers students with the tools to solve problems, and mediates between faculty and students to facilitate respectful communication.  Academic Ombud Services is open to all members of the UK academic community. 

Professional, graduate and undergraduate students, as well as faculty, contact Academic Ombud Services with a variety of questions and concerns.  Faculty inquiries often involve how the University Senate Rules relate to an instructor's particular course. 

Inquiries are held in confidence. 

The Office of the Dean of Students may help with addressing unpleasant, disruptive, and unsettling conduct in the classroom. The Dean of Students can offer a range of assistance, from helping to address behavioral issues to promoting effective communication and conflict resolution. By leveraging their expertise in student affairs and campus policies, the Office of the Dean of Students can help develop strategies to manage difficult conversations, create tailored solutions for individual student needs, and ensure a respectful and inclusive learning environment. Collaboration with the Office of the Dean of Students fosters a positive partnership between faculty, staff and students, ultimately contributing to a successful academic community.  

Students can also be directed to the Office of the Dean of Students for assistance with support services, navigating campus resources, and comprehending university regulations and processes.

Dean of Students Office

Location: Patterson Office Tower, Floor 5, Room 513

Phone: (859) 257-3754

The University of Kentucky’s Community of Concern team is a group of presidential-appointed faculty and staff who have demonstrated professional expertise and/or experience in threat management and behavior intervention. The goal of this team is to support individuals who exhibit distressing, disturbing, or disruptive behavior that may pose a threat to themselves or the university. The team's primary objective is to create a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. 

Human Resources is available to consult with faculty to identify resources that may be of benefit based on their particular situation.

Human Resources Office

Location: Scovell Hall, 115 Huguelet Drive (Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

Phone: (859) 257-9555

Email: humanresources@uky.edu

HR Offers UK Employees:  

Counseling with a Therapist

Telehealth and in-person appointments at no cost to you. Our therapists offer five free counseling sessions per year. Choose one who specializes in your concerns. 

24/7 doctor visits at $0 co-pay, same-week therapy and prescription medication access. 

Telehealth from LiveHealth Online