Iowa New Faculty Orientation
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)
Join us for a day of networking with key academic leaders. Learn about the University of Iowa, strategies for student success and scholarship, and available resources. President Barbara J. Wilson and Executive Vice President and Provost Kevin C. Kregel will host a welcome lunch. Attendance is optional but strongly encouraged, with programming designed to complement collegiate orientation programs. INFO is designed for individuals in their first faculty appointment.
Please contact faculty@uiowa.edu for further information.
Parking Information: The nearest parking for Iowa New Faculty Orientation is available at the IMU Ramp (IMUR) (please note: not suitable for large vehicles). Standard Hourly Rates: $1.75. For a full campus parking map, visit Parking Map (PDF). You may also explore Cambus routes for additional transportation options.
The online registration is now closed, but we invite you to attend as a walk-in.
Agenda
| Time | Agenda | Speakers or activities |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 am | Registration Light continental breakfast | |
| 8:30 am | Welcome Ice breaker and university overview | Barrett W. Thomas, associate provost for faculty and strategic operations |
| 9:45 am | Break | |
| 10:00 am | Breakout Session #1 | |
| 11:00 am | Break/Transition | |
| 11:15 am | Breakout Session #2 | |
| 12:15 pm | Transition to Lunch | |
| 12:30 pm | President and Provost Welcome Lunch | Barbara J. Wilson, university president Kevin C. Kregel, executive vice president and provost |
| 1:30 pm | Information Resource Fair | Health and Well-Being, Information Technology, International Programs, Office of Community Engagement, Office of Teaching, Learning, and Technology, Office of the Ombudsperson, Office of the Vice President for Research, Office of Undergraduate Research, Shared Governance, Student Disability Services, Center for Teaching, TIAA, University Benefits, University Libraries |
Breakout Sessions
Faculty will have the opportunity to attend two out of six interactive breakout sessions.
Advancing STEM Research: Resources for New Faculty at the University of Iowa
This session introduces new STEM faculty to UI's extensive research support resources. Learn about internal funding, research development services, and offices that assist with grant proposals, collaboration building, and compliance requirements. An overview of the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) will highlight its role in advancing research, securing external funding, and promoting responsible research practices. Discover how OVPR units - including sponsored programs, core facilities, and interdisciplinary research initiatives - can accelerate your work. Training, support networks, and strategies for aligning research with institutional priorities to enhance funding success will also be covered.
Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Research and Creative Activity
Join us to learn more about how the University of Iowa supports faculty research, scholarship, and creativity. In this session, we’ll discuss existing workshops, programs, and collaborations that support the process of research and writing. We’ll also discuss internal funding opportunities as well as resources that exist to assist you in locating and applying for external funding. Finally, we will share ways that the university supports writing for broader audiences through internal workshops and programs. We look forward to getting to know you and learning more about your work!
Teaching Talk: Practical Strategies for Successful Teaching at Iowa
Join the University of Iowa Center for Teaching for a session focused on preparing for your first semester at Iowa. We'll discuss setting your teaching semester up for success by effectively using the first week of classes. We will also explore evidence-based strategies for connecting with your students for impactful learning. The session will include opportunities to explore and answer your questions with new colleagues and teaching experts.
Speed Dating with Academic Technologies (Teaching with Tech)
Speed Dating with Academic Technologies is an interactive and fast-paced event where participants “date” a range of potential instructional technology tools, gaining exposure to a lot of resources in a short period of time. Participants will have around 10 minutes to "speed date" (i.e., learn about) specific university technologies or services before meeting their next "date." Each table will introduce a topic and related resources. Join matchmakers (presenters) from across OTLT-IS Academic Technologies to find your perfect match!
Navigating the Tenure Track at Iowa: Strategies for a Thriving Academic Career
As tenured and tenure-track faculty members, we wear many hats—educators, researchers, administrators, and mentors. This session focuses on enhancing tenured and tenure-track faculty success by addressing role transitions, time management, career advancement, and work-life balance. We’ll discuss the challenges of being a faculty member and strategies for meeting those challenges. Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned professor, let’s explore pathways to building a successful and satisfying career as a faculty member at Iowa, while still maintaining work-life balance.
Specialized-Track Faculty Essentials: Navigating Roles and Advancing Your Career
This interactive session encourages self-advocacy through guided discussion and practical tips. Topics include understanding your contract, aligning your work with UI and collegiate strategic plans, and preparing for promotion. Faculty will explore strategies for tracking progress toward career milestones—such as using the Teaching Effectiveness Framework to document accomplishments and reflect on professional growth—and learn how to communicate effectively with department leaders. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to navigate their roles and advocate for long-term success at Iowa.