College faculty are experts in their fields, and they spend years researching intriguing topics in their academic disciplines. When faculty attend conferences or workshops, these are most often in their field of research; alternatively, they may seek pedagogical training on topics like student engagement or AI use in teaching. But today’s college classroom is a highly dynamic environment influenced by diverse student needs, technological advancements, and evolving societal expectations. Faculty are no longer just content experts; they are also tasked with being mentors, facilitators, coaches, and problem-solvers.

Not Just a No-Show: Understanding Faculty Absence at Graduation
Each spring, university campuses are spruced up: Lawns are mowed and stages assembled, and rows of chairs fill the arena. Graduation is a time-honored tradition, celebrating students’ hard work and