NEW FACULTY ORIENTATION 2026-2027
Welcome to Grand Valley State University!
We are excited to welcome new faculty this coming Fall (2026)!
Orientation will focus on engaging new faculty in a collaborative learning experience focused squarely on student success, community building, and exploration or campus resources for both faculty and news students.
- Highlight critical information about the university, guiding new faculty to construct for themselves a greater understanding of (a) the mission, vision, and values of Grand Valley State University, (b) what is meant by student success, and (c) the hallmarks of a successful new faculty experience
- Model learner-centered teaching strategies (including interactive discussions, experiential learning, case studies, special topic choices)
- Foster a sense of community and build relationships among new faculty
- Motivate new faculty to see themselves contributing to a supportive, collaborative campus community
We look forward to meeting and engaging with you soon!
REGISTRATION FOR NEW FACULTY ORIENTATION WILL OPEN IN MID-JUNE, 2026.
New Faculty Orientation Fall 2026
Recognizing that the needs of new faculty who are BRAND NEW to GVSU are different from the needs of faculty who are returning to GVSU or transitioning from one role to another at GVSU (from Visitor to Affiliate, for example), this multi-day orientation is built with optional sessions to allow for differentiation based on the unique circumstances of each new and "new-ish" faculty member. Orientation will provide a robust overview of what it means to be a part of the GVSU Community. The sessions not only equip you with information that will support your success at GVSU but are also designed with built-in opportunities to meet and engage with GVSU leadership and fellow faculty. The hope is that you will leave orientation armed with tools, resources, new relationships and supports, and with a better sense of our Laker Community.
Topics covered over orientation include:
- Introduction to the GVSU Community & Culture
- Profile of GVSU Students
- Faculty Resources & Supports
- GVSU Technology--faculty email, Blackboard, and Banner
- Student Resources & Supports
- Inclusive & Just Campus Community
- Health, Wellness, and Benefits
- Optional Campus Tour
New Faculty Orientation Programming will be held on the following days:
- Thursday, August 6, 2026
- Human Resources Focused Day—required for all new faculty who have not taught at GVSU before
- Friday, August 7, 2026
- eLearning Technologies Focused Day—required for all new faculty who have not taught at GVSU before
- Tuesday, August 11, 2026
- Pew Faculty Teaching and Learning Center (Pew FTLC) and the Center for Scholarly and Creative Excellence (CSCE)
- Wednesday, August 12, 2206
- People, Equity and Culture (PEC)
Adjunct Faculty
Fall 2026 New Faculty Orientation
We are excited to welcome new adjunct faculty joining GVSU for the Fall 2026 semester!
Because our adjunct faculty have historically appreciated flexibility in attending orientation, we will be offering a completely asynchronous online orientation program that can be completed at your own pace. This orientation will be available after August 17, 2026 and will provide
- An introduction to GVSU technology including Blackboard, banner, and accessing your GVSU network login
- Overview of faculty supports and resources
- Getting Ready to Teach Checklist and MORE!
REGISTRATION FOR NEW FACULTY ORIENTATION WILL OPEN MID-JUNE, 2026.
Additional Resources for New Faculty
Other Ways to Connect
Access the Asynchronous Online Orientation Program
This program will not be available until August 17, 2026.
Valid GVSU Network (login) credentials are required to access this program. If you do not yet have a GVSU network login/credentials, please email us ([email protected])—we can send you temporary credentials to use.
View the 2025 New Faculty Digital Resource Notebook
Check out a curated selection of resources and handouts especially for new faculty.
One-On-One Meeting with our Center Director
Contact us at [email protected] to schedule a meeting.