Faculty Orientation Week to Highlight Campus Resources for New and Advancing Instructors

A dozen higher education professionals will gather at Ferris State University, Aug. 12-16, for the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning’s New Faculty Orientation Week.

FCTL Director Todd Stanislav said there are faculty continuing their service to the university in tenure-track positions, new additions in that category and non-tenure track faculty, all of whom, he said, bring critical knowledge, experience and passion in support of student success.

“While much of the week focuses on helping the new faculty members in their transition to Ferris and supporting their readiness to teach, we also want them to be fully aware of the resources and services that are available to their students,” Stanislav said. “Examples of these include Educational Counseling and Disability Services and the Academic Literacies Center, which includes our Writing Center. FCTL staff will also offer advice on the digital media services that are available, encourage the development of learner-centered syllabi and courses and help the new faculty navigate the MyFSU system.”

Stanislav said other campus departments and services collaborate in the orientation process. He added that this helps faculty become familiar with the campus, understand their employee benefits and to carefully consider the university’s history, values and goals.

“ECDS staff review the concepts of accommodation and accessibility, Ferris eLearning staff will offer instruction on the new Canvas learning management system and the Ferris Library for Information, Technology and Education (FLITE) staff and faculty will provide insights on services and opportunities that support both faculty and students,” Stanislav said. “The faculty will also be learn about support that Ferris offers for scholarly and creative work, and be encouraged to examine how they might create classes that are more increasingly inclusive.”

The New Faculty Orientation Week schedule includes a Tuesday evening reception with Ferris President David Eisler, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Paul Blake and deans of the university’s colleges. Stanislav said that event is one of several gatherings intended to both welcome the faculty and help them build a network of professional relationships.

“There will be opportunities to further their acquaintance with department heads and other staff members that the faculty may not have seen since their interview process,” Stanislav said. “We very much hope to build a sense of belonging for all faculty.”