UC San Diego FIRST Program

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Abstract Outcome data for underrepresented (UR) faculty development programs related to research productivity, retention, promotion, skill competencies, and program satisfaction exist but there is a lack of rigorous evaluation, especially assessment of mentoring effectiveness and impact on institutional climate and UR faculty morale. The goal of the Evaluation Core is to develop and implement an evaluation plan to assess the impact of the FIRST Cohort program on our institution and to assist the CEC in evaluating the overall combined FIRST Cohort program. The analysis plan will test the overarching hypothesis that a cohort and cluster design model of faculty hiring, sponsorship, continual mentoring, and professional development, embedded within an institution implementing evidence-based practices to create academic cultures of inclusive excellence, will achieve significant improvements in metrics of institutional culture and scientific discovery. Four specific aims are proposed. Aim 1. Theoretical Model. To develop a plan of analysis based on theoretical models and conceptual framework in collaboration with CEC and other FIRST Cohort Awardees. Aim 2. Common Data Elements. To collaborate with the CEC and other FIRST Cohort Awardees to develop common data elements (including program activities, participant outcomes, and institutional outcomes) to evaluate the success of the program. Aim 3. Database. To adapt current Office of Faculty Affairs database to track program activities, collect participant data, and collect institutional data. Aim 4. Evaluation. To share common data elements with the FIRST CEC as requested, to collaborate on evaluation of FIRST Cohort impact across all awardees, and to assess local institutional impact of FIRST Cohort activities. These aims will be accomplished through adapting the current UCSD Office of Faculty Affairs database to include tracking FIRST program activities, FIRST participant data, and institutional data. Participant data will include evaluations of self-efficacy, skills and behaviors, supplemented by interviews/focus groups. Institutional data will be obtained through institutional demographic databases, two climate surveys of health sciences and campus-based faculty, as well as interviews/focus groups. Participant impact will be analyzed by examining recruitment and retention, career success (grants, publications, leadership, promotion) and improved skills and knowledge (self-efficacy and behaviors). Institutional impact of the FIRST program will be analyzed by examining changes in demographics and climate, including morale and environment. Interviews and focus groups will explore components of the FIRST program that contribute to improved climate and culture. Together, these analyses efforts will demonstrate that using evidence-based strategies to enhance UR faculty academic advancement, research and career development and integration, and the implementation of system- wide structured faculty development programs, will lead to inclusive excellence and improve the academic climate.