The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) kicked off the 2024-2025 academic year by welcoming 22 new full-time faculty members at the annual New Faculty Orientation, held on August 8 and 9 at Fondren Commons. The two-day event provided new faculty with a comprehensive introduction to the university’s community, resources, and student body, helping them to get acclimated to their new roles.

The orientation began with presentations from several key departments. Representatives from Human Resources and the Office of the Provost spoke on important policies and procedures, ensuring that new faculty were equipped with the information they need to navigate the university. One of the highlights was a panel discussion titled “Who are UHD Students?”, where seven current undergraduate and graduate students shared their experiences, offering the new faculty valuable insights into the diverse student population they will be teaching.

Thursday evening featured a reception that gave the new faculty a chance to meet and mingle with their peers, mentors, and administrators. Both the President and the Provost delivered warm words of welcome, emphasizing UHD’s commitment to fostering a supportive and collaborative academic environment. At the reception, each new faculty member was paired with an experienced faculty mentor, providing them with an immediate connection and a source of guidance throughout their first year.

On Friday, the orientation continued with a series of roundtable presentations. Faculty were introduced to essential university services, including staff from the library, the Office of the Ombuds, and the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE). These sessions highlighted the various resources available to support both faculty development and student success.

The New Faculty Orientation set a strong foundation for the incoming cohort, equipping them with tools, knowledge, and relationships that will help them thrive as they embark on their teaching journeys at UHD. As the new academic year approaches, UHD’s newest faculty members are ready to make an impact both in and out of the classroom.