On August 28, 2024, close to 100 people gathered at Fed Hall for New Faculty Orientation Day. Hosted by Dr. Christine McWebb, Associate Vice-President, Faculty Planning and Policy, the orientation was an opportunity for new faculty to engage and ask questions through interactive discussion circles, a campus resource fair, and a tour of campus.
Discussion Circles on the following topics were led by various University of Waterloo leaders:
1. Teaching: Mary Power, Sr. Educational Developer, Faculty Programs and Consulting and Katie Damphouse, Educational Developer, Faculty Programs and Consulting, Centre for Teaching Excellence. This discussion focused on Waterloo’s approach to teaching and the many resources available to instructors for in-person and online courses.
2. Research: Bernie Duncker, Associate Vice-President, Research and International, Office of Research. This discussion focused on how the Office of Research supports faculty through the many phases of the research process.
3. Service and Leadership: Mark Weber, Special Advisor to the Provost on Leadership, Strategy and Development discussed career development, leadership, and decision-making at Waterloo.
4. Equity on Campus: Karim Wissa, Interim Director, Education & Outreach, Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-racism. The discussion focused on EDI-R resources, competency, and capacity building offerings and supports to navigate equity and anti-racist related barriers.
5. Employment and Governance: David Porreca, Faculty Association of the University of Waterloo (FAUW) President discussed the role of the Faculty Association, along with key policies and procedures, that will shape faculty work experience.
6. Indigenization: John Lewis, Director, Indigenous Faculty Relations discussed what Waterloo is doing to advance the goals of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and work toward decolonization.
A Resource Fair highlighted the many groups and offices on campus that offer various support for new faculty. Booths from the following units participated:
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AccessAbility Services
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Advancement
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All faculties
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Centre for Career Action
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Centre for Extended Learning
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Centre for Teaching Excellence
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Co-operative Education
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Centre for Work Integrated Learning
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Finance
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Faculty Association
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Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs
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Human Resources
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Indigenous Relations
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Information Systems and Technology
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Library
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Library Copyright
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Occupational Health
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Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti Racism
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Organizational and Human Development
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Procurement
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Research
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Safety Office
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Sustainability
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Statistical Consulting and Survey Research Centre
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Work-Learn Institute
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Writing and Communication Centre
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W Store/W Print
New faculty should have access to the New Faculty Orientation site on LEARN, which serves as a central spot for key information and is the hub for New Faculty Orientation sessions.
For any questions related to the orientation, contact newfacultyorientation@uwaterloo.ca.