FAQs for Scholars

Will the Chair be my official mentor?

The Chair mentors all departmental colleagues, including Riley Scholars-in-Residence. Other members of the program|department may also serve as mentors.

What additional mentoring and professional development opportunities are available to Riley Scholars?

Riley Scholars-in-Residence are encouraged to participate in the Mentoring Alliance Program (MAP), which is open to all early career faculty. The Crown Center for Teaching is a resource for educators who want to expand and hone their teaching toolkits. The Instructional Coaching Program, housed in the Crown Center for Teaching and open to all faculty, is a teacher development program designed to support CC educators’ anti-oppressive pedagogical development. 

How much teaching support will I receive from the Riley Scholars-in-Residence Program?

Riley Scholars-in-Residence are encouraged to participate in the Mentoring Alliance Program (MAP), which is open to all early career faculty. The Crown Center for Teaching is a resource for educators who want to expand and hone their teaching toolkits. The Instructional Coaching Program, housed in the Crown Center for Teaching and open to all faculty, is a teacher development program designed to support CC educators’ anti-oppressive pedagogical development. 

Will I be able to participate in conversations about my teaching load and teaching schedule?

Yes. While scheduling needs for departments vary, impacting the extent to which any faculty member can determine the blocks in which they teach, you should participate in those conversations to the extent possible.

How many courses am I expected to teach as a post-doctoral scholar?

You are expected to teach three courses.

Will I be expected to team teach courses with other faculty within or outside the program|department?

This may be approved in certain cases depending on various factors that should be discussed with the Dean of Faculty prior to the Chair submitting their course grid.

Will I be expected to advise students or student groups?

Not typically. However, adjustments may be considered by the Dean of Students in consultation with the Dean of the Faculty.

Who do I talk to if I'm having a problem with my teaching?

Direct these concerns to your Chair, who will help facilitate prudent and meaningful conversations with any necessary parties.

Which department events should I attend?

We recommend you attend events like those that feature guest speakers and students presenting their research or those that celebrate graduates, for example, as these opportunities will allow you to build and maintain community. 

Will I be expected to serve on department and|or college committees?

No, because RSiRP is designed to support you in working on your scholarship and bolstering your teaching skills. Committee work is not expected in the role.

What is my official job title?

As a postdoctoral Riley Scholar-in-Residence, your official title is Visiting Assistant Professor of [Department or Program] at Colorado College. 

What kinds of research support should I expect to receive?

Along with a small research fund for research and professional development and a college-issued computer for use during your employment, you also may be eligible to receive funding for research-related expenses that is above your research account allocation ($5,000) after you expend your research account for eligible research expenses, such as as for conference travel.

What are my employment benefits?

Please visit the College's benefits website here or contact their office directly.

Am I guaranteed a second year, if I want to stay?

No. Whether or not a second year is extended depends on your willingness to stay along with the needs and abilities of your program|department and the college. However, if you wish to stay, you may communicate that to your mentor and|or Chair by the middle of the fall semester.

Will I be granted a tenure-track job at Colorado College or elsewhere upon the completion of my fellowship?

We cannot guarantee you will earn a tenure-track job at Colorado College or elsewhere upon the completion of your fellowship.