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Faculty Diversity Internship Program (FDIP)

Apply to Fall 2024 cohort

Program Overview and Structure

The WVMCCD Faculty Diversity Internship Program (FDIP) invites you to join in a semester of exciting learning focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. The key to success with today's diverse population of students is engaging pedagogy with an equity-minded focus.

You will receive 60 hours of training and hands-on experience in a community college classroom with a trained faculty mentor during the Fall semester.

The FDIP provides a foundation in pedagogy as well as techniques, skills, and best practices for the classroom. The program is designed to give you an understanding of the fundamental theories and skills necessary to be successful in finding and keeping a community college job.

In addition, you will be immersed in campus events and activities to help cultivate and promote understanding of the various responsibilities of community college faculty, staff, and students. Through this paid internship, you will have the opportunity to meet with the College Executive Management Team, Vice Presidents, Department Deans and Chairs, and various other stakeholders that work to support our district's mission, vision, and values.

The Faculty Diversity Internship Program (FDIP), a paid internship, has proven to be an effective means of providing high quality learning opportunities for faculty interns and enhancing the educational needs of our multicultural students.

The Faculty Diversity Internship Program has two components: (1) 60 hours of community college faculty training and (2) hands-on experience in an educational setting with a faculty mentor during the spring semester. The training content will include:

  • Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
  • Theory and Practice
  • Effective Teaching / Counseling and Classroom Communication Strategies
  • Diverse Learning Styles
  • Interview Tips and Tricks

FDIP Intern Learning Objectives

It may be helpful for you to have a clear understanding of the main objectives for your internship. The three primary learning objectives for FDIP interns throughout the program are:

Excel in equity-minded instructional pedagogy, design and delivery at the community college level

  • Learn about DEIAB principles in a community college setting
  • Become familiar with the community college student population
  • Observe all class sessions for one course
  • Meet with Mentor weekly to discuss equity-minded instructional pedagogy/ counseling
  • Work with Mentor to design, develop, and teach lessons

Understand WVMCCD community college culture, students, and institutions.

  • Meet division personnel and support staff
  • Attend department or division meetings
  • Tour the campus
  • Become familiar with student resources
  • Learn about shared governance and leadership
  • Participate in campus committee meetings
  • Observe a Senate and/or Curriculum Committee meeting

Understand the community college application, interview, and hiring process.

  • Understand the hiring process
  • Write a cover letter
  • Complete an application
  • Write a community college resume and vitae
  • Learn where to find job relevant openings
  • Practice interviewing skills

FDIP Monthly Benchmarks and Activities

Recommended monthly calendar with benchmarks, activities and topics for interns to discuss with their mentors.
Month Skills, activities, learning objectives
August Accessible syllabus, Canvas overview, calendar with weekly units, Universal Design principles, accessibility, observation skills, Campus culture, student demographics, caring campus, creating a healthy classroom community, first day/week planning and implementation
September Student services and success, DESP/DSPS, Health Services, building classroom community, implementing regular and substantive interaction, Dealing with difficult students, Health Services using classroom technology, lecture and facilitation skills
October OEI Online course rubric, Creating course modules/units/posts, lesson planning based on COR and SLOs, attend Curriculum Committee
November Distance Education observation form, creating assessments and assignments to measure specific learning outcomes, online teaching tools, Teaching opportunities, networking, collegiality, committees, shared governance, organization chart, attend Academic Senate Meeting.
December Assessing learning outcomes/SLOs/final grades, college grading policies and procedures, final exams and tests, submitting final grades, Job search skills, CCC Registry, developing vitae/resume, cover letter, understanding tenure process, interviewing practice and feedback.

FDIP Program Coordination

For questions about hours, pay, program requirements and logistics, and/or to discuss issues:

  • Maria Higginbotham
  • EEO Fellow

Instructional Design and Training Team

For questions about training and instruction, or for on-going support and/or resources

  • Michelle Francis
  • FDIP Intern Liaison, WVC Child Studies Instructor, TEACH Center Coordinator
  • (408) 741-2490