The 2025 New Faculty Orientation will be on Wednesday, August 20, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Ohio Union. Attendees will have an opportunity enter a raffle win tickets to an Ohio State football during the 2025 season.
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
8–8:45 a.m. | Check-in
Stop in early to enjoy continental breakfast and access to a free professional headshot
8:45–9:45 a.m. | Welcome and Orientation Overview
This session will:
- Introduce Faculty Affairs — including its mission, resources and staff
- Inform attendees of:
- Programming for new faculty
- Drake Teaching and Learning Center
- Faculty Pathways program
- Interfolio
- Allow for networking with Faculty Affairs staff who are ready to support faculty members throughout their academic journey
9:45–10:15 a.m. | Creating an Environment for Faculty Success
This session will:
- Cover essential policies
- Introduce the Faculty Council and University Senate
- Provide insights from the Faculty Ombuds
- Highlight our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and its resources — all designed to support faculty well-being, success and a positive work environment
10:20–10:50 a.m. | Creating an Environment for Student Success
This session will:
- Share 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
11–11:40 a.m. | Human Resources and Benefits
This session will:
- Share the essential human resources (HR) information and benefits overview to navigate a faculty member's successful start at Ohio State
- Inform attendees about upcoming HR benefit suggestions
11:40 a.m – 12 p.m. | Lunch
Enjoy a meal with colleagues.
12:15–12:45 p.m. | "Find a Connection"
This session will encourage faculty members to:
- Share aspects of their professional and personal lives
- Foster connections and build a sense of community within their college
12:47–12:57 p.m. | Introduction to the Wexner Center for the Arts
Attendees will learn how the Wexner Center for the Arts supports faculty through resources, collaborations and innovative programming.
1-1:07 p.m. | Academic Affairs Welcome
1:15–2 p.m. | Breakout 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 faculty members secure grants and advance their 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 skills, discover best practices and maximize 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 an academic profile and contribute to broader public discourse.
2:10–2:40 p.m. | Breakout Session 2
Community Engagement to Support Research and Teaching Excellence
Explore how collaborating with the community can enhance scholarship and pedagogy by identifying real-world research opportunities and integrating impactful learning experiences into courses.
Best Practices in Facilitating Access and Managing Accommodation Request
Focus on effective strategies for ensuring accessibility in courses and managing accommodation requests. Learn how to create an inclusive learning environment that supports all students, including those with disabilities.
2:45–3:15 p.m. | Breakout Session 3
Introduction to University Libraries Resources and Open Access Support
Overview of the University Libraries' resources, including books, journals, databases, and digital collections. Learn about research support services and the benefits of open access publishing. Better 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.
3-4 p.m. | Campus Resource Fair for Faculty and Students
Being held at Ohio Union, the Resource Fair is an opportunity for faculty to browse and learn about resources available at Ohio State.
Digital Resources
Buckeye Benefits
- Employee benefits
- Medical plan comparison chart
- Retirement plan comparison chart
- Retirement plan election form
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits
Faculty Support
- Faculty Pathways
- Supporting the Research Lifecycle
- Postdoctoral Scholars at Ohio State
- President's Postdoctoral Scholars Program