My discussion forum provides an opportunity for under-represented graduate students, post-docs, and faculty across the United States to connect with one another for the purpose of professional development. The forums are especially helpful for individuals who are experiencing isolation, alienation, or difficulty finding mentors at their home institution. The online dscussions are organized into the following topical forums: 1) Publish and Flourish, 2) Department Drama, 3) Teaching Trials and Triumphs, 4) The Academic Job Market, 5) Balancing Work and Family, 6) Graduate Student Concerns, 7) Sharing Research and Resources, 8) General Discussion, 9) Conference Meet-Ups, and 10) Life After Tenure.

Monthly Writing Challenges
The most popular forum is "Publish and Flourish" where participants share their struggles and successes with research, writing, and publication. Faculty development experts have found that individuals are most productive when they write every day for short periods of time, track their writing time, and report their progress on a regular basis. To facilitate the development of these productive behaviors, there is a monthly writing challenge. Participants post their writing goals for the month, commit to small chunks of daily writing (30-60 minutes per day, Monday through Friday), and post their progress each day. For their efforts, all participants receive ongoing encouragement, peer mentoring, and the support of a national community of writers.

How to Join