At Trinity, we believe that excellence in teaching, research, and service is the result of intentional planning, self-reflective practice, and learning from others. As a result, the University encourages faculty members to avail themselves of the many resources on campus and across the country to support their learning and growth.
New Faculty Programs
New Faculty Orientation
Newly hired full-time faculty members will be contacted regarding New Faculty Orientation, a series of programs designed to help new colleagues familiarize themselves with Trinity’s policies, resources, and our organizational culture. A portion of this week-long New Faculty Orientation will be set aside for new employee onboarding. Part-time new faculty will receive a separate, one-day orientation.
Orientation is typically held two weeks before classes begin each August. Questions can be referred to The Collaborative for Learning and Teaching.
New Faculty Academy
Full-time new faculty will participate in New Faculty Academy, a series of events hosted throughout the year designed to build connections, foster community, and offer just-in-time holistic support and resources. Faculty will attend New Faculty Academy for their first two years at Trinity as they transition from being new faculty to being early career faculty.
Questions can be referred to The Collaborative for Learning and Teaching.
New and Early Career Faculty Mentorship
In recognition of the challenges associated with transitioning to a new campus and often beginning a new career as a faculty member, Trinity offers multiple layers of formal and informal mentorship.
In addition to the resources provided by department chairs, new faculty are paired with a department guide who will help them acclimate to Trinity and their department. New and early career faculty will also have access to a network of Trinity faculty mentors who are available to offer advice, support, and mentorship. New and early career faculty are also encouraged to seek mentorship from external communities.
Questions about Trinity’s mentorship system for new and early career faculty can be referred to The Collaborative for Learning and Teaching.
Early Career Faculty Events
The Collaborative for Learning and Teaching frequently hosts events on the issues most pressing for early career faculty, including those on work-life balance, teaching, promotion and tenure, grant opportunities, and research.
The Emerging Scholars Initiative supports early career faculty in their research, scholarship, and creative activity. The initiative’s commission team—composed of early career faculty—develops a variety of opportunities and events offered throughout the year, including research and writing groups, workshops, and off-campus retreats.
Questions about these opportunities and events can be referred to The Collaborative for Learning and Teaching.
Ongoing Faculty Development
Current and Aspiring Leaders
Trinity is committed to developing a community of faculty, staff, and student leaders. Faculty members who are interested in developing their acumen for academic leadership can discuss the following opportunities with their department chair or dean:
In addition, Trinity recognizes that individual faculty may be best served by engaging in other forms of faculty development beyond the examples named above. Faculty members are encouraged to consult with their department chair to discuss individualized personal and professional development plans.