Every August, campus springs to life with the energy and excitement of new faculty members and those new to academic leadership roles. This year, the Office of Faculty Affairs (OFA) designed thoughtful orientations to give faculty a solid foundation of support, ensuring our newest faculty colleagues are well-prepared and connected as they embark on their journey with us. 

Welcoming new faculty: Building connections and resources 

For new faculty, the transition into a new institution can be both thrilling and overwhelming. On Aug. 19, OFA hosted its annual new faculty orientation for 131 new tenure-track, teaching and clinical faculty members. 

Chancellor Justin Schwartz and Provost Russell Moore welcomed and addressed the in-person orientation; their remarks emphasized the importance of community, collaboration, and the university’s commitment to supporting faculty in their teaching, research and creative work, and service roles.  

Michele Moses, vice provost for faculty affairs, presented the university’s mission and campus resources that support faculty professional growth and collaboration. Moses also unveiled a Canvas course with relevant information and a “who’s who” directory of new faculty. 

New faculty also participated in the Thriving at CU breakout sessions, focused on teaching excellence, research/creative work support and student mentoring. These informational workshops also aimed to foster connections—allowing new faculty to meet colleagues from different departments, share ideas and begin building friendships and networks that will be essential throughout their careers. 

One highlight of the orientation was the annual Faculty Resource Fair, where representatives from more than 20 campus offices were on hand to discuss the support available for teaching, research/creative work, and professional and personal development. From instructional technology to grant-writing assistance and environmental health and safety, new faculty members left with a clear understanding of where to turn for help and how to access the tools they need to succeed. 

The day concluded with an opportunity for new faculty to meet with their deans, followed by a welcome to CU social co-sponsored by Faculty SPACE, a core faculty community-building initiative sponsored by the OFA. 

Supporting new academic leaders: Navigating leadership with confidence 

Orientation at CU Boulder isn't just for new faculty members; it is also crucial for new academic leaders—those stepping into roles such as department chair, program director and dean for the first time. This year’s Aug. 13 event organized by the Academic Leaders Institute (ALI) provided an opportunity for new academic leaders to connect with peers and featured presentations and discussions on the Professional Rights and Responsibilities (PRR), which outlines the standards for faculty professional behavior.

Attendees also gained leadership insights from Lori Bergen (founding dean of the College of Media, Information and Communication), Peter Hamlington (chair of the Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering Department) and Dan Zhang (associate dean for research and academics at the Leeds School of Business), who spoke about their own experiences as leaders. Seasoned CU Boulder administrators and other campus experts designed the day’s sessions to equip new leaders with practical strategies for fostering a positive and productive environment within their units and the unique demands of academic leadership. 

These orientation activities set the tone for OFA’s ongoing commitment to supporting faculty members and academic leaders throughout their careers at CU Boulder. These orientations are just two of the many supports, professional development opportunities and community-building events that OFA facilitates to ensure every faculty member feels valued, supported and equipped to thrive. 

Questions? Email facultyaffairs@colorado.edu for more information.