The College of Arts & Letters New Faculty and Academic Staff Orientation Program is specifically designed for College of Arts & Letters faculty and academic staff in the first year of their appointment. The orientation seminars in the fall are designed for all faculty and academic staff, while the two seminars in the spring are intended for early career tenure-stream faculty. Advanced tenure-stream faculty who are new to CAL are also welcome to attend the spring seminars. The overarching goal of the program is to supplement University and departmental activities in preparing new CAL faculty and academic staff for their academic roles. Specifically, the objectives of the new Faculty and Academic Staff Orientation Program are:
- to provide an introduction to the College and University
- to interact with College leaders and resource people
- to become aware of College and University resources
- to familiarize new faculty with the CAL Technology and Research Offices
- to discuss topics and issues of interest to new faculty and academic staff members
- to develop support and connections among CAL’s new faculty and academic staff cohort
As a supplement to the university-wide orientation program that takes place in August of each year, AAN events that occur throughout the year, and departmental orientation activities, CAL offers a faculty welcome reception and six seminars that are held in the fall and spring semesters.
Schedule of New Faculty and Academic Staff Orientation Seminars
New Faculty Welcome Luncheon
August 21, 2023 at 11:00-1:00pm
The College of Arts & Letters would like to welcome all new faculty and academic specialists to Michigan State University with a welcome lunch just for new employees so that they can meet and get to know each other. The Dean will provide welcoming remarks and there will be some important teaching tips presented to get those who are teaching ready to start! New support staff are also welcome to attend. Please plan to meet in the Green Room of the Library.
Orientation seminar #1: Welcome Session: Charting Pathways for Intellectual Leadership
September 15, 2023 at 12:00-1:00pm via Zoom
The first session will serve to acquaint new CAL faculty and academic specialists with the Associate and Assistant Deans as well as other College administrators. We will also introduce the College initiative Cultivating Pathways of Intellectual Leadership (CPIL) and the Culture of Care initiative. The Assistant and Associate Deans, Senior Director of Development, and the Faculty Excellence Advocate (FEA) will give short introductory presentations that then will leave time for discussion. New support staff are also welcome to attend this session. This session will take place via Zoom.
Orientation seminar #2: Teaching & Learning
September 22, 2023 at 12:00-1:00 via Zoom
This workshop will focus on Teaching & Learning resources in the College and at MSU as well as a quick overview of the curriculum review process. College initiatives such as the Excel Network, the Experiential Learning Requirement, and the Citizens Scholars Program will be briefly introduced. The Assistant Dean and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies give an introductory presentation along with the Director of Integrated Studies in the Arts & Humanities. The Assistant Dean for Academic and Research Technology will briefly examine technology use and opportunities in the classroom. This session will take place via Zoom.
Orientation seminar #3: Navigating University Systems
September 29, 2023 at 2:00-3:00pm via Zoom
This session provides an essential introduction to select university systems typically used by faculty and academic specialists at MSU. The four staff functional team leads will demonstrate: how to use the travel system, how to hire students, and navigating academic systems for instructional needs such as the Registrar’s Office, Campus Solutions, and databases. This session will also introduce you to the support staff structure to help you know whom to contact with what question. These teams include Academic Operations, Finance, Office Operations, and Human Resources, as well as the Chief of Staff. This session will take place via Zoom.
Orientation seminar #4: Research and Grant Writing
October 6, 2023 at 12:00-1:00pm via Zoom
This workshop will focus on the ways CAL can help you build a strong program of research and scholarship. We’ll discuss resources available for seeking funding, how to get IRB and other kinds of approvals, and networking with others here at MSU to facilitate collaborative, engaged, and interdisciplinary work. This session is led by the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies. The Assistant Dean for Academic and Research Technology will also discuss opportunities for assistance with developing new technologies or support areas. This session will take place via Zoom.
Orientation seminar #5: Reappointment, Promotion & Tenure (RPT)
February TBA
In this seminar, we will discuss the timeline for RPT, operating principles of the tenure system, CAL RPT policies and procedures, resources and training sessions available, and best practices. There will also be adequate time for RPT-related questions and discussions. This seminar is intended for new tenure-stream faculty and is a chance to discuss these issues with the Dean. Advanced tenure-stream faculty who are new to CAL are also welcome to attend.
Orientation seminar #6: RPT Case Studies
February TBA
This will be an opportunity for new faculty members to discuss issues associated with reappointment, tenure, and promotion in an engaged manner with the Dean. This seminar is intended for new tenure-stream faculty. Advanced tenure-stream faculty who are new to CAL are also welcome to attend.
Orientation seminar #7: Promotion Pathways for Non-tenure Stream Faculty and Academic Specialists
February TBA
This will be an opportunity for all full-time, non-tenure stream faculty members and academic specialists new to MSU to discuss issues associated with promotion in an engaged manner with the Associate Dean for Academic Personnel and Administration. It is designed to supplement the session held by the Academic Advancement Network with College specific information.