The 2024 New Faculty Orientation was held on Thursday, August 15, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Ohio Union. An agenda for the event can be found below. Attendees had an opportunity to enter a raffle to win tickets to the first Ohio State football game of the 2024 season on August 31 vs. Akron.
New faculty can receive continued support 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.
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
Additional Resources
Agenda
8–8:45 a.m. | Check-in
Stop in early to enjoy continental breakfast and access to a free professional headshot
8:45–9:40 a.m. | Welcome and Orientation Overview
Presenters:
Introduction to Faculty Affairs
Patrick Louchouarn, senior vice provost for faculty
Supporting Faculty Development
Kaprea Johnson, associate vice provost for faculty development & recognition
Interfolio, Launching Your First Year and the 120-day "Getting Started" Document
Helen Malone, vice provost for academic policy and faculty resources
Importance of Faculty Connection
Sarah Conley, assistant vice provost for dual careers & faculty relocation
9:45–10:15 a.m. | Creating an Environment for Faculty Success
Explore resources designed to elevate your teaching practice, robust research support, and faculty well-being programs. Leverage the university's extensive network of support services — your dedicated partners in navigating your academic journey.
Presenters:
Important Policies
Jan Neiger, assistant vice provost for academic human resources
Faculty Council
Sara Watson, Faculty Council chair, associate professor
Faculty Ombuds
Mollie Blackburn, faculty ombudsperson, professor
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Resources and Services
Suzanne Vickers, EAP counselor
10:25–10:55 a.m. | Creating an Environment for Student Success
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.
Presenters:
Rebeka Campos-Astorkiza, graduate and professional student ombudsperson, associate professor
Norman Jones, vice provost and dean for undergraduate education
Stephen Quaye, associate dean for excellence in graduate and postdoctoral training
11–11:40 a.m. | Human Resources and Benefits
Discover the essential human resources (HR) information and benefits overview to navigate your successful start at Ohio State.
Presenters:
Emily Benzle, benefits consultant
Ryan Gregson, benefits consultant
11:40 a.m – 12:10 p.m. | Lunch
12:10–12:45 p.m. | Lunch Discussion: Generative AI Resources, Tips and Policies at the University
Empower your teaching and research with Generative AI. Explore how this innovative technology can create engaging learning materials, inspire student inquiry, and fuel research breakthroughs. Gain practical insights and ethical considerations to leverage AI effectively.
Presenters:
Larry Hurtubise, curriculum and instruction consultant
Jason Pollock, director of unified communications
Detra Price, executive director of digital education and innovation, professor
12:50–1:05 p.m. | Michael V. Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning
Discover the wealth of resources and support available through the Drake Institute to enrich your teaching journey.
Presenter:
Anika Anthony, associate vice provost and director of the Drake Institute
1:15–2 p.m. | Breakout Session 1
Introduction to Research Resources and Sponsored Programs (Cartoon Room)
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.
Presenters:
Cynthia Carnes, senior associate vice president for research operations
Christine Hamble, associate vice president of sponsored programs
Meris Longmeier, head of research services for University Libraries
Developing a Professional Learning Plan for Teaching (Senate Chamber)
Reflect on your journey and experience as an educator and learn about Drake Institute programs and services that support evidence-based teaching. Develop SMART goals and be guided in developing an individual plan for professional learning to hone your teaching skills and positively impact student success.
Presenters:
Audrey Harlyn, program coordinator for the Drake Institute
Larry Hurtubise, curriculum and instruction consultant for the Drake Institute
2:10–3 p.m. | Breakout Session 2
Community Engagement to Support Research and Teaching Excellence (Cartoon Room)
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.
Presenters:
Jason Reece, vice provost for urban research and community engagement
Media Training for Faculty (Senate Chamber)
Learn how to speak to the media and gain insights into crafting clear, concise messages, navigate media inquiries with confidence, and maximize media opportunities to elevate your academic profile and contribute to broader public discourse.
Presenters:
Joe Camoriano, director for national broadcast media
Jeff Grabmeier, senior director for research communications
Introduction to Inclusive Teaching (Traditions Room)
Discuss the importance of supporting students' sense of belonging, review the principles of Universal Design for Learning, and provide strategies for creating a welcoming and effective learning environment for all students. Practice inclusive teaching strategies you can use on Day 1 of the semester for engaging students and supporting their success.
Presenters:
Amy Lea Clemons, instructional consultant for the Drake Institute
Khushi Patel-Desai, instructional consultant for the Drake Institute
3:10–4 p.m. | Breakout Session 3
Conducting Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, and Discipline-based Educational Research (Senate Chamber)
The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) provides an opportunity for all instructors across all disciplines to formally explore and share their experiences in teaching and learning. SoTL also provides dissemination opportunities for faculty. Participants will be provided guidance around how to begin integrating SoTL, as well as Discipline-Based Education Research (DBER), into their research practice at Ohio State.
Presenters:
Vicki Pitstick, insturctional consultant for the Drake Institute
Dave Sovic, associate director of operations for the Drake Institute
Mentorship with Graduate Students and Postdocs (Cartoon Room)
Explore building effective mentoring relationships with graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Learn strategies for fostering professional development, research collaboration, and a thriving research group.
Presenters:
James Gentry, director for the office of postdoctoral affairs
Stephen Quaye, associate dean for excellence in graduate and postdoctoral training
Faculty as Entrepreneurs, Inventors and Corporate Partners (Traditions Room)
Explore the exciting possibilities of startups, inventions, and industry collaboration.
Presenters:
Joe Camoriano, director for national broadcast media
Alissa Comella, associate vice president for corporate partnerships
Mike Deverso, senior director for corporate partnerships and economic development
Jeff Grabmeier, senior director for research communications
David Mess, director of licensing for ERIK
4–5 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.