Faculty Director's Role
Leading a Short-Term Study Away Program is a unique opportunity to bring your course to life while mentoring students in an immersive, real-world setting. Faculty members who teach these programs serve as Faculty Directors, responsible not only for academic content but also for guiding students, managing logistics, and representing GW Business abroad or off-campus.
Faculty Directors are supported throughout the program by G&EE, which provides guidance, administrative support, connections to existing networks, and funding to help you create an innovative, engaging, and successful course. (Learn more about G&EE's role below.)
Key Responsibilities
- Develop course syllabus, itinerary, and budget
- Market the course and advise prospective students
- Review applications and select participants
- Oversee logistics: lodging, transport, meals, classroom space, site visits, etc.
- Prepare students for travel and guide them offsite
- Submit financial reports
- Reflect on program impact and provide feedback and stories of success
Detailed Responsibilities by Phase
Teaching and Mentorship (Pre- and Post-Travel)
- Develop and deliver academic content for class sessions
- Provide mentorship and project completion guidance to student teams (in consultative courses)
- Submit grades within Faculty Senate guidelines
Partner Management (if applicable)
- Identify, select, and secure program partners
- Agree on project scope with partners
- Facilitate communication between students and partners
In-Country / On-Site Operations
- Partner with G&EE to identify, and secure appropriate in-country site visits/business meetings
- Engage with program participants providing context and content that enhances their learning
- Manage logistics and relationships with host organizations
- Act as university representative and primary point of contact in case of emergencies
Administration & Logistics
- Participate in pre-departure faculty meetings and training
- Coordinate travel logistics with G&EE and travel providers
- Submit receipts for reimbursements
- Contribute to program evaluation and reflection, submit partner feedback and testimonials to G&EE
Role of the Office for Global & Experiential Education
The Office of Global and Experiential Education’s responsibilities include:
- Advising faculty on the proposal process
- Reviewing and selecting faculty proposals
- Building course websites and student applications
- Marketing the portfolio of Short-Term Programs
- Communicating with students about application procedures
- Working with department administrators to create course reference numbers and arrange on-campus space, as needed
- Registering students
- Issuing advance program payments
- Providing health and safety briefings for all students prior to departure
- Offering pre-departure training for faculty, including financial and risk management guidance
- Collecting student evaluations