New to the U: Faculty Teaching Orientation

Exceptional teaching begins here.

New to the U: Faculty Teaching Orientation

At the University of Alberta, we strive to “prepare students to be creative, collaborative, and confident global citizens.”

ABOUT

Whether you are an experienced faculty member or new to teaching, New to the U: Faculty Teaching Orientation is designed to welcome you to the university as a valued faculty member and set you on the path to success in your teaching journey.

This orientation introduces you to how the University of Alberta is working to create an environment where students engage in transformative learning experiences and connects you with key resources, support systems, and opportunities that will shape your teaching journey.

New to the U offers you the opportunity to: 

  • engage with U of A’s senior leaders on institutional teaching and learning-focused initiatives
  • prepare to teach and build relationships with the U of A students of today
  • explore campus-wide supports and resources for effective, inclusive teaching and learning 
  • build connections with fellow new instructors from across the university

Eligibility and Registration

New to the U is designed for new faculty members, academic teaching staff (career track), faculty service officers, and librarians. Attendance is reserved for invited guests.

Launching into Fall: Academic Teaching Staff (ATS) Orientation supports the unique needs and teaching contexts of the University of Alberta’s academic teaching staff. 

If you have any questions about New to the U, please do not hesitate to contact us at  ctlevent@ualberta.ca.

Schedule and Location

Date: August 18, 2025
Location: The event location will be indicated in an email invitation.

Schedule of Events
Time (MDT) Topic(s)
8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Sign-in, networking and coffee
9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Opening teaching with Elder Evelyn Day
9:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. Welcome from President, Bill Flanagan
9:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Who are your students? Let's hear from U of A students!
10:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Break
10:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Wellness for instructors: How do you teach in support of your wellness?
11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Exciting changes for teaching in our institutional action plans
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch and networking
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Generative AI and teaching
2:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. Break
2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Instructors we admire in teaching: Informal discussions
3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Centre for Teaching and Learning programming and services
3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wrap up and networking

Call for STUDENT AMBASSADORS

Be a student ambassador at the new faculty orientation 

The Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) is seeking undergraduate and graduate students to participate in a facilitated conversation with new faculty members at the New to the U: Faculty Teaching Orientation on Monday, August 18. 

As an ambassador, you will share your perspective on what makes a course truly meaningful and engaging, the challenges you have faced in your academic journey, and how instructors have supported your learning and success. 

Requirements: 

  • Participate in a 45-minute virtual student ambassador preparation meeting on Monday, August 11, at 3:00 p.m.
  • Participate in the faculty orientation session on August 18 (time TBA)
  • Be comfortable sharing your thoughts in an informal conversational setting 

Students selected will receive an honorarium.

Apply to be a student ambassador!