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VSU New Faculty Orientation 2012- August 1, 2, 3 (morning) and 7 (afternoon)

The goals of our New Faculty Orientation program are to:

  • Build community and provide informal opportunities for interaction
  • Provide practical resources that faculty will repeatedly use in their teaching, their research, and their daily university life
  • Provide faculty contacts for new faculty
  • Demonstrate importance of high quality teaching and learning
  • Welcome new faculty into the university’s community of scholars
  • Review important technologies, policies, and procedures for success in teaching, research and service

Day One- Wednesday, August 1

Time, Location

Topic

Description

9:00 AM-10:15 AM

Odum Library Ground Floor Atrium and Meeting Room

Welcome and Continental Breakfast

Come meet and interact with campus student and administrative leaders as well as other new faculty and learn about VSU’s campus structure, resources, history, and new initiatives.

10:30 AM-12:00 PM

Odum Library 3270

(Third Floor)

Introduction to VSU’s Technology Systems & Security

Learn about VSU’s many technology systems and their use, including relevant computer use policies and security information. During this session, with additional support from the Information Technology Helpdesk, you will gain system access, and create passwords for several of our systems.

12:15 PM -1:15 PM

Odum Library Ground Floor Atrium and Meeting Room

Catered lunch & Topic Discussion

Interact with new colleagues and build community as we discuss key University System of Georgia and VSU goals and initiatives.

1:30 PM —2:30 PM

Odum Library 3270

(Third Floor)

Introduction to Banner

Learn about VSU’s Registration and Advising computer system as well as important policies and procedures from our Registrar’s Office. Session topics will include course rolls, proof rolls, reporting grades, the limited withdrawal policy, and dropping vs. adding.

At the conclusion of presentation, you will have an opportunity to log on and review your course information in Banner.

2:45PM -4:45 PM

Odum Library 3270

(Third Floor)

4:45-5:30 – Optional Benefit Election

Introduction to Human Resources & VSU Work Environment

Educate yourself about important required tasks and deadlines for new faculty as well as gain some useful tips to ease your transition to VSU.  Human resources staff will share information about benefits, retirement, and employee self-service.   

At the conclusion of the session those wanting to elect benefits for August coverage will have the opportunity to select benefits online while HR staff assists.

Day Two- Thursday, August 2

Time, Location

Topic

Description

9:00 AM-12:00 PM

Odum Library Auditorium

(First Floor)

Intro to Teaching at VSU

Gain an overview of teaching expectations as well as guidelines for your classes. We will share a variety of teaching resources available to you as well as provide an opportunity for more specific discussion in a number of different breakout sessions .

12:15PM  -1:30 PM

Lunch on Your Own

Restaurant guides will be available.

1:45PM -3:45 PM

Odum Library Auditorium

(First Floor)

Managing Risk

&  Enhancing

 Campus
Well-Being

Come meet our panel who will introduce you to key departments and share important guidelines and procedures to ensure safety for you and your students. We will also address how faculty can help enhance campus well being through inclusiveness and respect. Through the use of stimulated discussion, we will address various potential problem situations as well as VSU procedures for those situations.

4:00 PM-5:15 PM

Odum Library 3270

(Third Floor)

Utilizing BlazeVIEW

as your Course Management

System

Learn about VSU’s Online Course Management System. Even if you are not teaching online courses, this overview session will provide you with important tools for all classes. Session topics will include:

  • How to access your online course area
  • How to post your syllabus
  • Features  you can use such as discussion groups, online quizzes, online drop box for assignments, and how students can download lecture notes
  • How to add and organize the content of your course

Bring your course syllabi if available with you to upload into your class.

Day Three- Friday, August 3

9:00 AM-10:15AM

Odum Library 3270

(Third Floor)

Technology

 in the Classroom

Acquaint yourself with technology that you may use in your classroom

Topics covered will include:

  • Using Smart Classroom technology – Sympodium, XPanel, and Help Features
  • Response technology through the use of Clickers to enhance student engagement
  • Other eLearning tools.

10:30 AM-12:30 PM

Odum Library 3270

(Third Floor)

Pedagogy and Online Learning

This session is intended for those faculty members teaching fully online or hybrid courses and will include techniques for measuring success in course design.

Day Four- Tuesday, August 7

3:15PM -5:00 PM

University Center - North

Opportunities Fair and Reception

Family members are welcome.

Come meet various campus departments and organizations to learn more about their services. Retirement representatives, AFLAC, South Georgia Greeting Service, and other community resources will be on hand as well. Below is a list of just some of the attendees.

  • Media Services
  • American Association of University Women (AAUW)
  • College of the Arts
  • Faculty Senate
  • AAUP
  • Housing and Residence Life
  • Metro One- Valdosta Lowndes Chamber of Commerce

3:15PM -5:00 PM

University Center – Dogwood Room

VSU Photograph

Have your official VSU photograph taken during this time for future media needs and posting on the VSU website.