Summary
Learn about the Faculty Quality Assurance System (FQAS), including who it applies to, program requirements, faculty development stages, and where to find additional resources.
Body
Overview
The Faculty Quality Assurance System (FQAS) is a Wisconsin Technical College System requirement that supports ongoing professional development for faculty. This article answers common questions about FQAS, including program expectations, faculty requirements, and available resources.
Before You Begin
The Faculty Quality Assurance System (FQAS) is a Wisconsin Technical College System requirement that supports ongoing professional development for faculty throughout their careers. Whether you're a new instructor or an experienced faculty member, understanding your FQAS requirements can help you stay on track with professional development expectations.
This article answers the most common questions about FQAS, including program requirements, timelines, professional development pathways, and where to find additional resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Select a question below to expand the answer.
What is FQAS?
The Faculty Quality Assurance System (FQAS) is a state-mandated professional development program for Wisconsin Technical College instructors. At Northwood Technical College, FQAS provides a structured framework that supports faculty growth throughout their teaching careers.
For full-time faculty, FQAS consists of three stages:
- Onboarding (Years 1–3)
- Skill-building (Years 4–6)
- Continuing Education (Years 7+)
Faculty complete required coursework, participate in professional development activities, and, during the onboarding stage, receive classroom observations and evaluations from their supervisor.
Why is FQAS required?
FQAS helps ensure faculty remain current in teaching practices, instructional technology, and their professional discipline while supporting student success.
The program is designed to help faculty:
- Develop effective teaching practices.
- Support diverse student populations.
- Stay current within their discipline.
- Engage in continuous professional growth.
- Maintain instructional quality across the Wisconsin Technical College System.
⭐ Best Practice: Keep track of your professional development activities throughout the year rather than waiting until the end of your FQAS cycle.
How does FQAS work?
Years 1–3: Onboarding
Faculty complete:
- New Faculty Orientation (Year 1)
- Student Success
- Engaging Learning Environments
- Curriculum & Assessment
During this stage, faculty are also assigned a Faculty Mentor and receive classroom observations and evaluations from their supervisor.
Years 4–6: Skill-building
Faculty complete one professional development pathway each year by selecting from:
- Communities of Practice
- Field-Specific Growth
- Leadership Journey
Faculty also complete 1 hour of Occupational Currency annually.
Years 7 and Beyond: Continuing Education
Faculty complete:
- 40 hours of continuing education
OR
- Any approved Skill-building course that fulfills the annual requirement.
Faculty also complete 1 hour of Occupational Currency annually.
How does FQAS work for part-time faculty?
Part-time faculty follow a different timeline.
Faculty who teach 15 or more contact hours are required to participate in FQAS.
Requirements include:
- Five years to complete the Onboarding curriculum.
- Beginning in Year 6, complete 10 hours of professional development annually.
- Complete Occupational Currency requirements as applicable.
📝 Note: Eligible part-time faculty receive a compensation increase after successfully completing the Onboarding requirements.
Where can I find additional information?
Additional information is available in the following resources:
- FQAS Handbook – Detailed program requirements, course information, and timelines.
- General Employee Handbook – Information regarding mentoring compensation and part-time faculty compensation.
Need Additional Assistance?
If you need assistance with your Faculty Quality Assurance System (FQAS) requirements, professional development plan, course completion, Occupational Currency, or other FQAS-related questions, submit a Service Desk ticket under Professional Development > Faculty Quality Assurance (FQAS). A member of the Professional Development team will respond as soon as possible.