View of Washington Square Park from the south towards the fountain and arch

ECFI Shanghai Sample Curriculum

Online and in-person learning

ECFI Shanghai uses a blended learning model that combines asynchronous online modules and synchronous in-person programming.

Asynchronous online modules

The five self-paced modules, taken during the fall semester, allow faculty to engage with foundational content, complete guided reflections, and begin developing materials connected to their individual academic goals.

  • Module 1: Individual Development Plan and Mentoring.  Participants identify short- and long-term goals, consider departmental and school-level expectations, and start developing an Individual Development Plan (IDP).
  • Module 2: Research and Scholarship Support.  Participants explore funding and training opportunities, grant-development practices, and the responsibilities associated with serving as a principal investigator.
  • Module 3: Publication and Portfolio Work.  Participants develop strategies to strengthen scholarly output and disseminate their discipline-specific work to make an impact in their fields and beyond.
  • Module 4: Innovative Teaching.  Participants explore teaching strategies, build their pedagogical toolkit, develop a teaching philosophy, and consider how current students learn across different modalities.
  • Module 5: The Real-World Impact of Your Work.  Participants examine the impact of their work in their fields and communities, identify key stakeholders, and consider NYU’s role as an engine of social change.

These modules include brief pre- or post-module assignments of about 30 to 90 minutes each.

Synchronous in-person intensive

The synchronous component takes place in-person at NYU Shanghai over four days in February. These sessions are designed to move participants from individual reflection to active discussion, collaborative problem-solving, mentoring, and practical application.

  • Monday:  Individual Development Plans, mentoring circles, the future of higher education, and academic identity.
  • Tuesday:  Research, scholarship, and academic branding.
  • Wednesday:  Teaching, pedagogy, lecture-design hackathon, academic branding.
  • Thursday:  Tenure dossier development, leadership, service, navigating difficult conversations, and Ask Me Anything.

Accountability groups

Participants will be assigned to accountability groups composed of members of the ECFI Shanghai cohort. Groups will meet at least three times during the program to support progress toward individual goals. Faculty are encouraged to work with their accountability groups while developing their Individual Development Plans, advancing writing projects, and exchanging ideas related to their academic work.

Informational interviews

Participants will hold informational interviews related to at least two program modules with relevant faculty members or administrators. These conversations will help participants learn from colleagues with expertise connected to their academic goals, disciplinary interests, and institutional responsibilities.

Mentoring

Mentoring is integrated throughout the asynchronous and synchronous components of ECFI Shanghai. Participants will identify mentors, engage in mentoring-circle activities, and develop a broad network of professional support. Mentors of ECFI participants may be invited to discussion forums focused on mentoring readiness, core mentoring competencies, common challenges, and effective practices for supporting faculty.

“Ask Me Anything” sessions

The program will offer Ask Me Anything opportunities during the synchronous intensive.

Office hours

Optional Zoom office hours (by appointment) will provide participants with an opportunity to discuss questions related to career development, advancement, and promotion with Senior Associate Vice Provost Dr. Niyati Parekh.

Program resources

Participants receive access to a dedicated Brightspace site containing:

  • Asynchronous module materials
  • Readings and recordings
  • Templates and worksheets
  • Pre- and post-module assignments
  • Professional-development resources

Resources may also include Individual Development Plan templates, teaching-philosophy exemplars, teaching resources, stakeholder-mapping worksheets, and materials supporting research, scholarship, and career advancement.

Certificate of completion

To receive a certificate of completion for ECFI Shanghai, participants must:

  • Complete all five asynchronous modules.
  • Attend four days of in-person intensive workshops.
  • Complete applicable pre- and post-module assignments.
  • Engage with their assigned accountability group.