More than 50 teacher-scholars attend New Faculty Orientation

August 24, 2023

On Wednesday, Aug. 16, a new cohort of Wake Forest teacher-scholars gathered for New Faculty Orientation presented by the Office of the Provost. With more than 50 new permanent and full-time teaching faculty in attendance, participants were introduced to teaching and scholarship at Wake Forest through workshops, presentations, networking opportunities, and student and faculty resource fairs.

Following a morning session in which new faculty were welcomed by President Susan R. Wente, Provost Michele Gillespie, and Vice President for Campus Life Shea Kidd Brown, new faculty had the opportunity to participate in a student resource fair and learn about the myriad of student resources available to Wake Forest students and how faculty can help support students by familiarizing themselves with those offices and organizations.

The Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Office of Diversity and Inclusion conducted an interactive workshop, “Preparing to Teach at Wake Forest: Starting Strong: Understanding and Engaging Diverse Learners on Day One.” Over lunch, Provost Gillespie spoke about Wake Forest’s history and its impact on the University’s past, present and future.

The afternoon featured a dynamic and comprehensive faculty resource fair with nearly 25 different offices, programs and organizations in attendance. From academic technology, wellbeing, research, sustainability and HR, to Wake the Arts, Reynolda House, information on media opportunities, faculty senate and much more, new faculty had the opportunity to engage with colleagues, ask questions and identify avenues for support that will further enhance their transition into and belonging within the Wake Forest University community.

“Organizing New Faculty Orientation with such an interactive plan was excellent,” said Associate Professor of Sociology and Vice President of the University Faculty Senate R. Saylor Breckenridge. “With Associate Provost Anne Hardcastle hosting a table about tenure and promotion across from Roz Tedford and Kathy Shields representing the library, right next to all sorts of other faculty, career and campus life information being distributed, it was a great event that will really help to integrate new faculty into campus.”

The day concluded with a lively picnic-style cookout on the Magnolia Quad. New faculty and their families had the opportunity to spend time with their new colleagues, deans and associate deans, Provost Gillespie and members of her staff, President Wente, and several members of the Reynolda Cabinet.

“New Faculty Orientation is such a special and important day for our office,” said Provost Gillespie. “We want to ensure that everyone feels welcomed and that our new faculty end the day feeling better prepared for what to expect in the semester, and years, ahead. We are so grateful for our colleagues across the University who partnered with us at every turn. And thank you, new faculty, for your time, attention and thoughtful engagement. We welcome you all to our Wake Forest family.”