New Faculty and New Academic Leaders Orientation

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

Monday, August 17, 2026
Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Session Time	Session 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, Edward Balleisen, and Emily Hammond 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: Edward Balleisen Panelists: Ellen Granberg, Mark Chichester, & Guillermo Orti 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 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!
10:30-11:30 am	University Resilience and Campus Security Presented By: Victor Brito & Christopher Faircloth Corcoran Hall, Room 101A Session Description GW Campus Safety will provide an overview of safety and preparedness for the upcoming semester, highlighting the integrated work of the university’s Campus Safety team. GW's Chief of Police and the Director of Emergency Management will share key initiatives, services, and resources across the GW Police Department, Emergency Management, Environmental Health and Safety, GWorld, the Office of Advocacy and Support (OAS), and the Emergency Medical Response Group (EMeRG).
11:30-12:00 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.
12:00-1:00 pm	Lunch and Learn - HR, Benefits, and Payroll 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.
1:00-2:40 pm	Equity, Ethics, Accessibility, and Advocacy at GW Presented By: Dorinda Tucker, Asha Reynolds, Shannon Bernick, Elisa Davoodi, and Anissa Tanksley Corcoran Hall, Room 101A Session Description Coming Soon!
2:40-3:00 pm	Get to Know Your Student Presented By: Ben Toll 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.
3:00-3:15 pm	Break
3:15-4:30 pm	Excellence in Teaching Presented By: Amanda Castel, Junghun Cho, Derek Holliday, Shaista Khilji, Heidi Liu, and Ekundayo Shittu Corcoran Hall, Room 204 Session Description Coming Soon!
4:30-5:00 pm	Survey and Wrap-Up Presented By: Emily Hammond Corcoran Hall, Room 101A
5:00-6:30 pm	President's Reception Speakers: Ellen Granberg and Edward Balleisen The F Street House, 1925 F St, NW (Weather Permitting)

Session Time	Session Description
8:30-9:00 am	Registration and Breakfast Corcoran Hall, Room 101A
9:00-9:10 am	Welcome Remarks and Overview Presented By: Emily Hammond Corcoran Hall, Room 101A Session Description Greetings and rundown of what to expect for day 2.
9:10-10:00 am	Faculty Resources for Teaching and Research Presented By: Geneva Henry, , William Gillis, Robin Delaloye, Elizabeth Waraksa, 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.
10:00-10:15 am	Break
10:15-12:00 pm	CTE Workshop Presented By: Karen Singer-Freeman and Hannah Jardine Corcoran Hall, Room 103 Session Description Coming Soon!
12:00-1:00 pm	Lunch and Learn - Instructive Technology in the Classroom Moderator: Shauntae Trammell & 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	Faculty Research and Scholarly Support Presented By: Evangeline Downie, Gina Lohr, and Brian Coblitz 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.
2:15-2:30 pm	Survey and Wrap-Up Presented By: Emily Hammond Corcoran Hall, Room 103