The 2026 New Faculty Orientation will be on Wednesday, August 19, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Ohio Union in the Archie M. Griffin Grand Ballroom (2nd Floor).
New faculty can receive additional support year-round by attending ongoing topical workshops in the Faculty Pathways program throughout the academic year.
Email johnson.9545@osu.edu with any questions you may have.
Agenda
Check-In
Registration, continental breakfast and complimentary headshots available.
Welcome and Orientation Overview
Summary of session: The session begins with a welcome and introduction to the Office of Faculty Affairs (OFA), including its mission, resources and staff. Attendees will learn about programming for new faculty, The Drake Teaching and Learning Center, Faculty Pathways program, writing retreats, Interfolio and be introduced to the OFA staff who are here to support you throughout your academic journey.
Creating an Environment for Faculty Success
Summary of session: This session covers essential policies, introduces the Faculty Council and Senate, provides insights from the Faculty Ombuds, and highlights Employee Assistance Program resources, all designed to support faculty well-being, success, and a positive work environment.
Creating an Environment for Student Success
Summary of session: Discover effective strategies for fostering a vibrant learning atmosphere. Delve into techniques for enhancing student engagement, promoting inclusivity, and leveraging resources to ensure student success right from the outset.
Resource Fair
Summary of session: Units and departments from across campus come together to provide helpful information and connect new faculty with resources to support their academic work.
Exploring Ohio State's Broader Faculty Ecosystem
Summary of session: New faculty are invited to explore the diverse network of opportunities and resources available beyond their immediate academic roles. This brief session will introduce participants to key university offices that support interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural engagement and community-connected scholarship. Representatives from the Wexner Center for the Arts, the Office of Interprofessional Practice and Education and the Office of Outreach and Engagement will highlight how faculty can expand their impact, build meaningful partnerships and engage more fully with Ohio State’s broader institutional mission.
Break Out Sessions
Session 1
Introduction to Research Resources and Sponsored Programs
Discover the tools to launch a successful research program. Learn about available resources, funding opportunities, and the support system to help you secure grants and advance your research goals.
Developing a Professional Learning Plan for Teaching
Learn to build a personalized Professional Learning Plan for continuous teaching growth. Set SMART goals and explore resources to hone your skills, discover best practices, and maximize your impact on student success.
Media Training for Faculty
Learn essential media relations strategies. Gain insights into crafting clear, concise messaging, navigating media inquiries with confidence, and maximizing media opportunities to elevate your academic profile and contribute to broader public discourse.
Session 2
Panel: Clinical Teaching Practice Faculty: Launching Your Career at Ohio State
Starting your clinical faculty career comes with unique opportunities, expectations, and pathways for growth. This panel will introduce new clinical faculty to key aspects of the role, including workload expectations, teaching and service balance, promotion and career progression, and strategies for building strong foundations for long-term success. Panelists will also discuss the importance of mentorship, networking, and finding community within both departmental and institutional spaces. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions and engage in conversation as they begin shaping their own clinical faculty journey at Ohio State.
Community Engagement to Support Research and Teaching Excellence
Explore how collaborating with the community can enhance your scholarship and pedagogy by identifying real-world research opportunities and integrating impactful learning experiences into your courses.
Best Practices in Facilitating Access in Your Course and Managing Accommodation Requests
This session will focus on effective strategies for ensuring accessibility in your courses and managing accommodation requests. Participants will learn how to create an inclusive learning environment that supports all students, including those with disabilities.
Session 3
Introduction to University Libraries Resources and Open Access Support
This session provides an overview of the university libraries' resources, including books, journals, databases, and digital collections. Participants will learn about research support services and the benefits of open access publishing. By the end, attendees will understand how to leverage these resources to enhance their academic work.
Mentorship with Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Explore building effective mentoring relationships with undergraduate and graduate students. Learn strategies for fostering professional development, research collaboration, and a thriving research group.
Human Resources and Benefits
Summary of session: Discover the essential human resources (HR) information and benefits overview to navigate your successful start at Ohio State and learn about upcoming HR benefit sessions.