New Faculty Orientation 2026
Dear Colleagues,
It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to the University of Rochester. You are joining a vibrant academic community distinguished by its commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and innovation. Your appointment represents not only a significant personal achievement, but also a meaningful contribution to the continued growth and vitality of our schools and departments.
As a new faculty member, you are invited to participate in a comprehensive orientation program developed by the Provost’s Office in collaboration with the Teaching Center. Our in-person New Faculty Orientation will be held Monday, August 24 at the Memorial Art Gallery in downtown Rochester. The day will feature engaging and informative sessions designed to support your successful transition to the university. Through this program, you will gain essential institutional knowledge and access resources and networks that will enable you to thrive as an educator, researcher, and UR community member. It is an opportunity for you to meet representatives from key University offices, connect with fellow faculty members, and hear from senior leadership, including our President and Provost during the closing reception.
Prior to our in-person Orientation, you can attend virtual sessions led by the Teaching Center. These sessions focus on learner-centered teaching and provide guidance on teaching policies, syllabus and course design, writing learning outcomes, use of instructional technologies, and other aspects critical to effective teaching. Our in-person Orientation also features sessions by The Teaching Center, including a faculty panel that provides insights from your new colleagues.
Beyond these initial sessions, we will invite you to a series of programs throughout the academic year to foster continued professional development and build collegial connections across the institution.
I hope that the year ahead will be marked by intellectual discovery, scholarly achievement, collegial engagement, and professional fulfillment. I look forward to the many contributions you will make to our shared academic mission.
With warm regards,
Kevin S. McFarland
Dr. Steven Chu Professor in Physics and Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs
To learn more about the Zoom sessions for new instructors included in Part 1 and Part 2 of the program, please visit the teaching orientation page.
Orientation Schedule
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 8:00 – 8:45 AM | Breakfast Meet and Greet |
| 8:50 – 9:00 AM | Welcome Remarks – Kevin McFarland, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs |
| 9:00 – 9:30 AM | Teaching an Effective First Day of Class –Rachel Remmel, Director of the Teaching Center |
| 9:30 – 10:00 AM | Generative AI in Teaching |
| 10:00 – 10:25 AM | Creating a Sustainable Teaching Practice |
| 10:25 – 10:40 AM | Break |
| 10:40 – 11:10 AM | Documenting Your Teaching Effectiveness |
| 11:10 AM – 12:00 PM | Faculty Panel: Leveraging Teaching Professional Development for Your Career |
| 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Lunch |
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 1:00 – 2:00 PM | The Faculty Experience at the University of Rochester |
| 2:00 – 2:40 PM | Resource Fair |
| 2:40 – 3:25 PM | Better Together: Constructive Dialogue & Critique Adrienne Morgan, Office of Engagement and Enrichement |
| 3:30 – 4:05 PM | A Shared Commitment to Excellence: Flash Talks from Key Offices |
| 4:05 – 4:10 PM | Closing Remarks – Kevin McFarland |
| 4:15 – 5:30 PM | Reception Join the Provost, President, Deans, and colleagues for refreshments |
| 5:00 – 5:30 PM | Gallery Open |
We look forward to welcoming you to this engaging and informative day.
Please take a moment to secure your spot by registering.
Faculty Orientation 2025
