2026 PTK Symposium

Thursday, March 5, 2026

Professional track (PTK) and other non-tenure-track faculty members are integral to the institution’s teaching, research, and service missions, making significant contributions to its continued growth and success. The PTK faculty, in collaboration with the Office of Faculty Affairs, will host the eighth annual symposium to celebrate PTK faculty achievements, highlight opportunities, and share information for success. 
The event will be held in person on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Forum of Clark Hall, with breakout sessions at the Great Hall in the Chemistry & Biochemistry building complex and the A.V. Williams Building. The theme of the event is Adapting to Now, with a focus on “AI in Teaching and Scholarship” and “Thriving in Uncertain Times.” 

This plenary session reframes uncertainty not as a barrier but as an opportunity to lead with vision, communicate with integrity, and build networks that uplift our colleagues and students. In the plenary panel on “Leading, Connecting, & Networking in Academia in Uncertain Times,” a panel of academic leaders will share how faculty can cultivate resilience, amplify their voice, and stay anchored in the core values that define academic excellence: mentorship, shared wisdom, research, intellectual curiosity, and community. The program for the rest of the day will include sessions on workplace strategies, personal growth, mentoring, and working with AI. There will also be a resource fair with opportunities for networking and posters with innovative developments.

This event is for faculty, staff, and administrators to come together, share knowledge, learn from experts, seek support, recognize accomplishments, and connect with colleagues across the University. The symposium committee invites all PTK, TTK, and adjunct faculty members, as well as administrators and staff, to attend the symposium.

Be on the lookout for registration to open by the end of January, and follow us on social media @umdptk #ptk2026 #umdptk.