New Faculty Institute

About the New Faculty Institute

The New Faculty Institute (NFI) is a year-long professional development community, facilitated by the Teaching and Learning Center. Every faculty member who is new to campus, inclusive of all departments and ranks, is invited to participate. 

Our goal is to help new campus members acclimate to the »Ê¹Ú²©²ÊÍøÖ· community and prepare for success in classroom and academic pursuits here.

Format

The NFI meets in person on campus every two weeks during the academic year. Light refreshments are provided. 

2025-26 Schedule

Pre-semester Events

Date & Time

Event

Location

Description

Wed. Aug. 13

10:30-11:30am

Campus Walking Tour for New Faculty & Staff

 

 

Meet in Doty Hall Lobby

Hosted by the TLC & Admissions

Get to know the campus on this custom tour led by a student tour guide. We will focus on academic and administrative spaces and campus gathering spots. 

 

Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle for the best experience. 

Wed. Aug. 13

11:30am-1:30pm

*Ready or Not Day Picnic Lunch

 

* event name will be updated

Red Jacket Dining Hall

Hosted by the Office of the President

Faculty and staff are warmly invited to the annual "Ready or Not Day" celebration. To help with food planning, please RSVP (link to be provided). 

Wed. Aug 20

10:00-10:25am

Welcome to the New Faculty Institute

Welles 115 (classroom)

Hosted by the TLC

Get to know one another and preview the year-long New Faculty Institute, to start the orientation day activities.

 

Wed. Aug 20

10:30-11:50am

New Faculty Orientation & 

Technology Overview

Welles 123 

(hybrid classroom)

 

Hosted by the TLC & CIT

Meet with Computing and Information Technology (CIT) staff for an overview of classroom technology, an introduction to Brightspace (»Ê¹Ú²©²ÊÍøÖ·â€™s learning management system), and other digital resources.

Wed. Aug 20

12:00-12:50pm

Welcome Lunch for New Faculty & Staff

Doty 302e

(Digital Seminar Room)

Hosted by the TLC

Following the CIT Information session, enjoy lunch with new faculty, deans, the Provost, and departmental mentor colleagues. 

Wed. Aug 20

1:00-4:00pm

Academic Affairs Retreat

TBD

Hosted by the Office of the Provost 

Convene with the division in preparation for the start of Fall 25. 

Thurs. Aug 21

11:00am-12:00pm

New Student Convocation

Wadsworth Auditorium

Hosted by the Office of the President

Join colleagues, incoming students, and their families as the students are formally inducted into our learning community.

Fri. Aug 22

3:00-4:15pm

 

Opening Convocation

Alice Austin Theater, Brodie Hall 248

Hosted by the Office of the President

Officially welcome the beginning of the new academic year with campus faculty and staff colleagues. 

Fall Semester Events

NFI meetings will be held bi-weekly on Wednesdays from 4:15-5:30pm. Locations vary, depending on the discussion topic and invited guests. The first meeting in Fall semester will be Wednesday, September 3rd. 

The fall schedule is under development, and will be available by August, 2025. 

Spring Semester Events

The spring schedule is under development, and will be available by January, 2026.