Documentation of accomplishments aligned to CIRTL Network certificate levels are offered through the Graduate School’s Future Faculty and Academic Careers program. These levels distinguish emerging leaders in evidence-based teaching and research mentorship practices among future faculty. Learning outcomes for each level are aligned to the Core Ideas of the CIRTL Network and to comparable criteria at other CIRTL Network institutions. For this reason, they are an increasingly recognizable credential among aspiring faculty.

Who Can Participate?

CIRTL Network certificate status levels are available to the entire Cornell community, but primarily intended to be pursued by graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. (Some qualifying activities offered through the CIRTL Network are aimed primarily at STEM fields, including social, behavioral, and economic sciences and STEM education.)

Benefits

Participants who have achieved CIRTL Associate status are eligible to apply for a $500 grant to assist with the costs of conducting a Teaching as Research project. This grant funding can be used to purchase materials or software or to subsidize professional development training. Associates can also apply for Travel Grants of up to $500 to pursue outside training opportunities in evidence-based teaching.

Participants who have been recognized as CIRTL Practitioners are prepared to contribute to the scholarly dialogue concerning evidence-based teaching, and Cornell University is committed to helping Practitioners achieve those goals. Practitioners are eligible to apply for Travel Grants of up to $1000 to help present their teaching projects. Additionally, Practitioners can apply for consideration to participate in a CIRTL Network Exchange for fully supported visits to discuss their research and teaching with scholars at other universities. (Contact us to learn more.)

CIRTL Scholars are models for other future faculty. In addition to Practitioner-level benefits, funding opportunities are available to Scholars who undertake a project-based leadership role within the Future Faculty and Academic Careers learning community. Scholars who wish to mentor other participants and serve as ambassadors for CIRTL Network programming are encouraged to contact us about possibilities for semester-long project-based service opportunities.

Deadlines

Future Faculty and Academic Careers staff review certificate applications on a quarterly basis (January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1). Applications received on or before those dates will be reviewed within two weeks of the end of that quarter. Applicants will be notified via email if their application has been approved or if the application requires further documentation. Certificates and letters of commendation will be mailed to awardees for inclusion in a professional portfolio.

Learn more

Graduate students and postdocs who would like more information about pursuing programming from Future Faculty and Academic Careers and the CIRTL Network, including certificate levels, should fill out the Interest Form and program staff will help with the application process and next steps. The form includes an option to book an online consultation.

If you are ready to submit an application for certificate level status, please explore the pages in this section further for requirements at each level, and links to submit.