Faculty are critical elements in the higher education system, and their orientation to the academic setting is essential. Unfortunately, faculty orientations are often filled with general school information, leaving faculty overwhelmed and still desiring knowledge that can help them succeed in meeting teaching expectations (Arrington, 2018). Leaders in the provost office, deans, school directors, faculty operating teaching and learning centers, and committees responsible for new faculty onboarding can benefit from asking themselves, How can we provide our faculty the necessary information so they can successfully teach? As the lead creator and facilitator, I outline key steps and present a case study of a teaching orientation titled Ignite, which addressed my institution’s gap between disciplinary expertise and pedagogical practice.
Not Just a No-Show: Understanding Faculty Absence at Graduation
Each spring, university campuses are spruced up: Lawns are mowed and stages assembled, and rows of chairs fill the arena. Graduation is a time-honored tradition, celebrating students’ hard work and
Heidi Hillman
July 21, 2025
