Future Faculty Program

Building on the success of the Summer Institute for Faculty Development (SIFD), the Future Faculty Program (FFP) equips residents and graduate students with the skills and insight to thrive in optometric academia as career-long, productive faculty. Since its inaugural cohort in 2011, FFP has attracted highly promising trainees from optometry schools and colleges who are eager to pursue academic careers. The curriculum focuses on the distinct transition from trainee to educator—covering academic culture, teaching and learning—and features small-group mentoring and shared, hands-on activities. Participants receive guidance from program leaders and peers throughout the program and beyond.

Timeline & Eligibility

• Application window: Opens each fall for programming that runs December–March.

• Approval required: Applicants must secure Dean/President approval prior to applying.

• Questions: Contact Jennifer Rubin Manager of Career & Leadership Development.

Participant Application Process:

Applicants will be required to apply, submitting the requested demographic information along with a CV and a short personal statement reflecting on why they are interested in pursuing a career in academic optometry. Applicants will be reviewed by representatives from the Future Faculty Program Committee and then contacted regarding registration and payment details.

Early registration fee of $25 on or before November 20th, 2025. This registration fee increases to $50 after the early registration deadline.

Applications and registrations will be accepted through December 1, 2025. (Please note: the application date will dictate the registration fee due). 

To apply, fill out the application

Selection Criteria:

Applicants must be enrolled in a full-time graduate program at an ASCO member institution and have demonstrated a strong interest in pursuing a career in academic optometry. The application form (electronic) must be completed by the deadline and the fee paid prior to the first session of the program.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

In 2011, ASCO launched the first Future Faculty Program (FFP) for the purpose of “providing graduate students with an opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance their success in an optometric academic environment as career-long, productive faculty members.” 

In 2014, the program was expanded to include residents. This program attracts the most promising residents and graduate students from ASCO-member schools and colleges of optometry who have demonstrated a strong interest in pursuing a career in academic optometry. The FFP program is comprised of small group activities with a mentor. There are virtual lectures, workshops, and shared activities.

Program Goals:

Provide residents and graduate students with an opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance their success in an optometric academic environment as career-long, productive faculty members.

Targeted Participants:

This program is geared toward individuals that have an OD degree or are earning a PhD degree, not for students concurrently obtaining an OD and a Master’s or PhD degree.

Three specific areas will be addressed:

1) Academic Culture
2)Teaching and Learning
3)Scholarship

Program faculty will present topical areas for discussion. The impact of the program upon each participant will be evaluated both at the conclusion of the program and over the ensuing year.

Topics:

Participant-Mentor Program Meetings (part of each session)

Academic Culture and Environment
Different tracks: clinical track vs. tenure track; tenure vs. non-tenure track Private school vs. public school – similarities and differences Promotion process and general requirements/expectations Faculty governance

Giving Effective Presentations
Best practices for slide creation How to engage the audience How to make your presentation clear

How to Craft Your Curriculum Vitae
How is a CV different than a resume What to include or leave off your CV Examples and small group review

Academic Job Search Interview Process
Job options/where to look Negotiation and Contracts

Publishing
Grant writing
Manuscript preparation

Clinical/Didactic Education
Navigating evaluation and feedback with student learners How to be an effective preceptor
Teaching style, assessment, and feedback Teaching the next generation

The Future Faculty Program (FFP) gives optometry residents and graduate students the opportunity to learn more about careers in academia. How do you get a job in academia? How do I create a strong curriculum vitae? What is the interview process like? How do I negotiate? What should I look for in a contract? What are the differences between private and public schools? How do people promote through the ranks?

“The Future Faculty Program aims to equip today’s residents and graduate students with the tools they need to become young faculty members of tomorrow. How does academia work? What do I need to include on my CV? What questions can I anticipate in an interview? How do I balance work and home life? What is the hardest part of writing? How can I negotiate the best offer on this contract? These questions and more will be explored with a small group of colleagues and an experienced mentor, who has been there and can give you the inside scoop on life in academia. We hope the virtual format makes joining this program easy for anyone interested in becoming a faculty member.“

— Lindsay A. Sicks, OD, FAAO, FIACLE, FSLS, Illinois College of Optometry

“The Future Faculty Program provided me with mentorship and the tools to thrive in academia, from competitively navigating applications to understanding the realities of the career, all while connecting with an inspiring group of individuals.”

— Diana Masolak, OD , Assistant Clinical Professor, Illinois College of Optometry