New Faculty Orientation

This two-day orientation for full-time faculty will provide you with the basic information that every GW faculty member should know and information regarding the various offices and networks that support faculty research and teaching at the university. 

Schedule

All sessions will be located in: Corcoran Hall, 725 21st St NW, Washington, DC 20052

Session TimeSession Description
  8:30-9:00 AM

Registration and Breakfast

  Corcoran Hall, Room 101A

  9:00-9:20 AM

Welcome Remarks and Overview

Presented By: Ellen Granberg and Rumana Riffat

  Corcoran Hall, Room 101A

Session Description

Greetings and rundown of what to expect from your orientation.

  9:20-10:10 am

Shared Governance Panel

Moderator: Rumana Riffat

Panelists: Ellen Granberg, John Lach, Mark Chichester, Todd Klein, and Katrin Schultheiss

  Corcoran Hall, Room 101A

Session Description

This panel will explore the principles and practices of shared governance at GW and provide insights into the collaborative decision-making processes that involve faculty, administration, and the board of trustees. The session aims to foster a deeper understanding of how shared governance contributes to the academic mission and operational effectiveness of the university.

  10:10-10:30 am

Networking Break - Get to know Your Fellows

Presented By: Rumana Riffat

  Corcoran Hall, Room 101A

Session Description

Take a well-deserved pause and use this opportunity to connect with your fellow participants in a relaxed, informal setting. Whether you're looking to exchange ideas, build new collaborations, or simply enjoy good conversation, this networking break is designed to help you expand your professional circle. Grab a refreshment, introduce yourself, and discover the diverse experiences and insights your peers bring to the table. Great connections often start with a simple hello—make yours today!

  10:30-11:15 AM

University Resilience and Campus Security

Presented By: Ian Greenlee and Christopher Faircloth

  Corcoran Hall, Room 101A

Session Description

GW Police Chief will discuss campus safety for the fall semester, while the University Resilience team will touch on the resources across the Emergency Management, Environmental Health and Safety, Sustainability, and Advocacy and Support teams. This session aims to equip new faculty and leaders with essential knowledge and resources to ensure a safe and resilient campus environment.

  11:15-12:00 pm

Maintaining Ethics, Compliance, & Privacy at GW

Presented By: Dorinda Tucker and Ashley Fountaine

  Corcoran Hall, Room 101A

Session Description

The Office of Ethics, Compliance, and Risk will provide compliance oversight through the management of the university’s ethics and compliance program as well as related areas of risk, internal audit, and privacy.

  12:00-1:00 PM

Lunch and Learn - HR, Benefits, and Payroll (Optional Attendance)

Presented By: Anne Irizarry and Erin Lavin

  Corcoran Hall, Room 103

Session Description

This interactive lunch and learn session will provide new faculty and academic leaders with a brief overview of the HR policies, benefits, and resources available at GW. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussions about their benefits, ensuring they have a clear understanding of what is available to them and how to access these resources. The informal setting is designed to facilitate open dialogue and provide personalized support. 

  1:00-2:00 PM

The Office of Access and Opportunity: GW's Commitment to Understanding New Policies, Procedures, and Reporting Mechanisms

Presented By: Catherine Guttmann-McCabe and Ashley Fountaine

  Corcoran Hall, Room 101A

Session Description

Join us for an informative session exploring George Washington University's ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive, compliant, and inclusive campus community. This session will provide GW staff and faculty with a clear understanding of GW’s policies and procedures for preventing and responding to discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation. In addition to clarifying compliance requirements, we’ll highlight the university’s broader efforts to protect civil rights and provide resources that empower our campus community.  Whether you're new to these topics or seeking a refresher, this session offers valuable insights and practical information to help you navigate GW's policies and procedures with confidence and clarity.

  2:00-3:00 PM

Division for Student Affairs

Presented By: Colette Coleman

  Corcoran Hall, Room 101A

Session Description

This session will provide an overview of the Division for Student Affairs, highlighting key resources and support systems available to students. It will cover student engagement, support services, and initiatives that promote student success.

  3:00-3:15 PMBreak
  3:15-4:30 PM

Disability Support Services and Title IX/Anti-Discrimination: Basics & Best Practices for GW Leaders & Faculty

Presented By: Asha Reynolds and Rochelle Mills

  Corcoran Hall, Room 101A

Session Description

Anti-Discrimination Basics and Best Practices for GW Faculty and Academic Leaders is an educational session designed to help participants understand foundational Supreme Court cases and laws that form the basis of the university’s anti-discrimination policies, specific kinds of conduct that could violate anti-discrimination laws or university policy, the role that intent and impact play in the university’s assessment of a complaint, the critically important role of each member of the GW community in preventing incidents, the special responsibility of supervisors for addressing problems that arise, and complaint pathways and university resources.

  4:30-5:00 PM

Survey and Wrap-Up

Presented By: Rumana Riffat

  Corcoran Hall, Room 101A

  5:00-6:30 PM

President's Reception

Speakers: Ellen Granberg and John Lach

  TBD

 

Session TimeSession Description
  8:30-9:00 AM

Registration and Breakfast

  Corcoran Hall, Room 101A

  9:00-9:10 AM

Welcome Remarks and Overview

Presented By: Rumana Riffat

  Corcoran Hall, Room 101A

Session Description

Greetings and rundown of what to expect for day 2.

  9:10-9:30 am

Get to know your student

Presented By: Jay Goff

  Corcoran Hall, Room 101A

Session Description

This session will provide new faculty and new academic leaders with essential insights into understanding and engaging with their students. Topics will include student demographics, learning styles, and effective communication strategies. The goal is to equip faculty with the knowledge and tools to foster a supportive and inclusive classroom environment that promotes student success. 

  9:30-10:30 am

faculty resources for teaching and research

Presented By: Geneva Henry, Yardanos Bahru, Robin Delaloye, Karen Singer-Freeman, William Gillis, Hannah Jardine, Leah Richardson, and Jennifer Wesson

  Corcoran Hall, Room 103

Session Description

This session will provide an overview of the various resources and instructional technologies available to faculty at GW. It aims to equip new faculty with the tools and support needed to enhance their teaching, research, and overall academic experience.

  10:30-10:45 AMBreak
  10:45-12:00 pm

first year faculty experience: faculty panel strategies for success in teaching research and service

Moderator: Ilana Feldman

Panelists: Nick Anderson, Kate Chiappinelli, and Lucia Rafanelli

  Corcoran Hall, Room 101A

Session Description

This panel session will equip new faculty members with the necessary insights to thrive in their first year at GW. Panelists will share their personal experiences as new faculty members at GW, discuss the challenges they encountered during their initial year of teaching and research, and provide advice on how to navigate these challenges. There will also be time for discussion and questions from the audience.

  12:00-1:00 PM

Lunch and Learn - instructive technology in the classroom (optional Attendance)

Presented By: Robbie Shumaker, Shauntae Trammell, and Anna Vakulick

  Corcoran Hall, Room 103

Session Description

This interactive working lunch session will provide new faculty with a hands-on walkthrough of classroom technology. This session is designed to provide personalized, hands-on training that addresses the specific needs and questions of faculty. Attendees will have the opportunity to see demonstrations of the technology, practice using it, and ask questions to ensure they feel confident and prepared for their first day of classes.

  1:00-2:15 PM

excellence in teaching

Presented By: Zoe Beckerman, Stephanie Cellini, Manuel Cuellar, and Ekundayo Shittu

  Corcoran Hall, Room 101A

Session Description

Award-winning faculty share their expertise in innovative pedagogical approaches, effective classroom management strategies, and methods to foster an inclusive learning environment. This interactive panel gives new faculty the chance to hear and learn from GW's very best educators in a variety of fields. 

  2:15-2:30 PM

break

 

  2:30-3:45 PM

Grant Proposal Planning and Writing in a Changing Federal Funding Landscape

Presented By: Gina Lohr and Robert Miller

  Corcoran Hall, Room 103

Session Description

The goal of this session is to provide participants with the fundamentals and best practices in grant development while offering tips on the grant seeking approach in response to recent changes in the federal funding landscape.

  3:45-4:00 PM

Survey and Wrap-Up

Presented By: Rumana Riffat

  Corcoran Hall, Room 101A