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New Faculty Welcome

A critical component of new faculty onboarding is the various orientation events put on by departments, schools and the Office of the Provost. We encourage new faculty to participate in as many as possible throughout the onboarding process.

The University-wide Office of the Provost New Faculty Welcome for 2025-2026 schedule is posted. Additional details will be added as they are confirmed. New faculty will receive an invitation with additional information via email. If you have any questions, please contact Joan Marie Johnson, Senior Director for Faculty, at faculty@northwestern.edu 

2025 Program Schedule

Sept. 3

Table with events and times
Time Topic/Details
8:30-9 a.m. Breakfast and Conversation
9-9:30 a.m.

Welcome From University Leadership

  • Sumit Dhar, Associate Provost for Faculty 
  • Michael H. Schill, President 
9:30-10:30 a.m.

Showcasing Research Impact and Innovation: 

Faculty Perspectives on Scholarly Contributions and Creative Work 

  • Eric Perreault, Vice President for Research 
  • Karan Ahuja, Assistant Professor, Computer Science, McCormick School of Engineering 
  • Masi Asare, Associate Professor, Theatre, School of Communication 
  • Elizabeth Gerber, Professor, Mechanical Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering 
  • Sera Young, Professor, Anthropology, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences 
10:30-10:45 a.m. Break
10:45-11:30 a.m.

Propelling Your Success: Resources for Faculty Community, Well-being and Career Development 

  • Joan Johnson, Senior Director for Faculty, Office of the Provost 
  • Sarah Klaper, University Ombudsperson 
  • Jason Washburn, Director of the Faculty Wellness Program 
  • Jennifer Keys, Senior Director, Searle Center for Teaching and Learning, moderator 
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Making the Most of Your First Year and Beyond:  Advice and Tips from Faculty 

  • AJ Christian, Professor, Communication Studies, School of Communication 
  • Danielle Gilbert, Assistant Professor, Political Science, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences 
  • Stephanie Knezz, Associate Professor of Instruction, Chemistry, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences 
  • Susie Phillips, Professor, English, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences 
  • Sumit Dhar, Associate Provost for Faculty, moderator 
12:30-1:30 p.m. Making Connections: Conversations with Students (includes lunch)
1:30-2 p.m.

Engaging Across Differences 

  • Nour Kteily, Professor, Management and Organizations and Co-Director, Center for Enlightened Disagreement 
2-2:45 p.m.

Promoting Student Well-being and Academic Success: Connecting Students to University Resources and Enrichment Opportunities 

  • Mona Dugo, Assistant Vice President for Wellness and Dean of Students 
  • Karen Smilowitz, Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education  
  • Victoria Getis, Senior Director, Teaching and Learning Technologies 
2:45-3 p.m. Break
3-4 p.m.

Enriching Learning through Meaningful Conversations: The Art and Science of Transitions 

  • The Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching
    • Lauri Dietz, Director of Pedagogy and Assessment 
    • Veronica Womack, Associate Director of High-Impact Teaching 
    • Jennifer Keys, Senior Director of the Searle Center 
    • Kate Flom Derrick, Assistant Director of Reflective Pedagogy
4-5 p.m.

Closing Remarks from University Leadership and Reception 

  • Ian Hurd, President of the Faculty Senate  
  • Kathleen Hagerty, Provost