New Faculty Orientation

New Faculty Orientation provides all new full-time faculty hires an opportunity to meet each other, connect with other faculty and administrators, and learn about faculty life at UMass Dartmouth. New Faculty Orientation launches a yearlong partnership between the Office of Faculty Development (OFD) and your cohort of new UMassD faculty. The OFD supports your professional development, helping you achieve success, productivity, and satisfaction at each stage of your academic career.

The 2025-2026 New Faculty Orientation will take place on Thursday, August 28 and Friday, August 29.

Thursday, Aug. 28

You’ll meet with Human Resources to review university policies and procedures, complete essential paperwork, review benefits plans, and hear from the Faculty Federation. The first day concludes with a welcome barbecue, hosted by Chancellor Mark Fuller, for all UMassD faculty and staff.

Friday, Aug. 29

You will have the opportunity to talk with administrators, current faculty, and other members of the campus community about faculty life. We’ll talk about teaching your first classes, creating a strong research agenda, planning for promotion, strategies for effective and engaged pedagogy, and enjoying all that our coastal New England setting has to offer. Student ambassadors will also lead new faculty on a campus tour. 

* Breakfast and lunch are provided on both days of orientation.

After New Faculty Orientation, the OFD hosts the year-long New Faculty Institute (NFI) which is designed to integrate new faculty and librarians into university life and support them as they begin working toward reappointment and tenure. On Wednesdays, NFI workshops and information sessions introduce you to various units and resources across campus, contractual issues, planning for promotion and tenure, and the scholarship of teaching and learning.