Spring 2025 New Faculty Orientation

New Faculty Orientation | Monday, January 6 | 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM (virtually via Zoom)

The New Faculty Orientation serves as an introduction to the university for new faculty. During the Spring 2025 main orientation session you will be welcomed by university leadership; have an opportunity to ask questions related to employment and resources; and learn about resources available to you here at AU. Following the main orientation, you can also sign up for a session on AU’s learning management system (Canvas), and attend a Q & A session to help you prepare to teach your course(s).

To help you get situated at AU, we will also enroll you in the New Faculty Orientation Resources page on Canvas. There you will find pre-recorded informational videos on key university resources, as well as handouts and links to a variety of relevant resources. We highly recommend that you review this page for essential and supplemental information ahead of the New Faculty Orientation and throughout the spring semester.

Email the Center for Teaching, Research & Learning for more information.

Quick Link Resources

Welcome to AU!

Use the tabs below for orientation schedules and AU resources.

Welcome & Overview Orientation Schedule Getting to Know Our Students Faculty Support Campus Resources

Welcome & Overview

On behalf of the American University community, the Center for Teaching, Research & Learning is pleased to welcome you to AU.

The New Faculty Orientation serves as an introduction to the university for new adjunct faculty. The program includes an overview of the university as well as information on teaching and resources to help you get off to a successful start.

Below is a general overview of the provided orientation sessions. A more detailed schedule can be found in the “Orientation Schedule” tabs above as well as helpful campus resources.

ORIENTATION OVERVIEW

All sessions are virtual via Zoom.

Saturday, May 18, 2024

9:45 AM – 11:15 AM | Summer 2024 Adjunct Faculty Orientation – Main Orientation Session, Join this session

11:30 AM – 12:45 PM | Strategies and Resources for Effective & Equitable Teaching, Join this session

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Canvas Overview, Join this session

2:45 PM – 3:45 PM | Zoom Within Canvas, Join this session

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Kaltura Within Canvas, Join this session

Main Orientation Schedule

Monday, January 6 | Online via Zoom

Main Orientation Session | 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM

(Join this zoom session)

Welcome to AU
Monica Jackson (Deputy Provost & Dean of Faculty)

Information about HR and Employment Matters
(Merlyn Ruiz McClure, Director, HR Faculty Administration & Joselino Cruz Perez, Director of Employee Benefits)

Breakout Groups by Faculty Type:

Adjunct Faculty: Information about AU’s Adjunct Faculty Union
(Bill LeoGrande, Associate Vice Provost for Academic Affairs)
Full-Time (Term and Tenure-Track) Faculty: Information about faculty service
(Priya Doshi, Associate Dean for Faculty and Inclusive Excellence)

AU’s Inclusive Excellence Plan
(Priya Doshi, Associate Dean for Faculty and Inclusive Excellence)

Introduction to CTRL’s Resources
(Anna Olsson, Assistant Vice Provost, CTRL)

Canvas Overview | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

(Join this Zoom session)

Presenter: Zac Schiffman (E-Learning Support)

This workshop is designed to introduce Canvas to those who have never used it before. From navigating Canvas to developing your assignments, this workshop provides a high-level overview of basic functionality within Canvas and will prepare you to publish your first Canvas Course.

Getting to Know our Students

AU Honors and Scholars Program

AU Honors

The AU Honors Program brings together a diverse community of students and faculty to learn in experiential and inquiry-driven ways. Propelled by curiosity and a willingness to take risks, our students endeavor to push the bounds of the known and the knowable throughout their shared academic journey. The program supports students as they dare to contribute to knowledge, creative expression, and meaningful change.

Learn more about the AU Honors.

Community-Based Research Scholars

The Community-Based Research Scholars (CBRS) program is a selective, first-year living-learning community that emphasizes responsible and meaningful service learning through community-based research opportunities. CBR Scholars have a network of students, faculty, and community partners to help identify avenues to affect social change. CBR Scholars are trained in research methods, research ethics, and issues relevant to the participating nonprofit’s area of focus.

Learn more about Community-Based Research Scholars Program.

Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars Program

The award-winning Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars (FDDS) program prepares American University’s foremost student and alumni leaders for graduate/professional school, career management, and socially responsible leadership. We annually award our most prestigious, merit-based scholarship (tuition, housing, meal plan, books, mandatory fees, and public transportation) to five incoming first-year student leaders committed to multidimensional excellence.

Learn more about the Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars Program.

Student-Athlete Support Program

The Student-Athlete Support Program provides support services for academic enrichment and life-long learning creates opportunities for personal growth and development and maintains a standard of integrity and responsibility to all American University Division I student-athletes in partnership with the Office of Undergraduate Education and Academic Services, Department of Athletics, and NCAA. Services include academic support, tutoring services, academic advising, NCAA eligibility verification, athletic competition class excusal letters. In addition, The SASP offers student-athlete development meetings and programs to support the holistic well-being of all Division I student-athletes. In an effort to meet the developmental initiatives of the AU Athletic Department, Patriot League, and NCAA, the SASP carries out programs that focus on transitions, leadership development, career preparation, and more. The goal is to help AU student-athletes continue to develop on and off the field throughout their time at American. To find out more about the SASP and student-athlete development programs, please visit our webpage on the AU Athletics website.

Each member of the SASP team serves as a holistic counselor for student-athletes on each of AU’s NCAA Division I athletic teams. This role includes one-on-one academic coaching as well as individual meetings to address other areas, including academic scheduling, major exploration, career preparation, and other aspects of personal development. Review information about the Student-Athlete Support Program

Excused Absences

American University Division I student-athletes are excused from class for any athletic team events. This includes competitions as well as travel to away events. Faculty will receive a “excusal letter” at the beginning of the semester for every student-athlete in their class, which outlines the dates and times for each excused absence. If necessary, the SASP will send updates for post-season competition once they are announced.

The excused absence policy as it pertains to student-athletes is explained in the Academic Rules and Regulations. Item 4.1.1.a says, “Excused absences include… approved championship season athletic team competition, preparation, and travel for eligible Division I varsity student-athletes, spirit team members, and managers.” Item 4.1.2 goes on to say, “Subject to 4.1.4, students may not be penalized for excused absences and should be given an opportunity to make up missed work from an excused absence. Students are required to make up all work, or equivalent work as designated by the instructor, missed as a result of the excused absence. The missed work must be completed by the deadline set by the instructor.” Review The Academic Rules and Regulations.

Exam Conflicts with Excused Absences

If a student-athlete has an exam scheduled in a class that falls on the day of an excused absence, the Courtesy Testing Service (CTS) can proctor the exam. To request to use CTS, the student and faculty member should decide on alternative arrangements for the exam – a date and time when the student will make up the exam. Then, the faculty member should fill out the Test Request Form at least 3 business days prior to the desired exam date. Review comprehensive information about the CTS.

Student-Athlete Support Program Contacts

Erin Saunders
Director, Student Success and Student-Athlete Support
202-885-3890 | erinsaun@american.edu

Robert Karch
Faculty Athletic Representative
202-885-6285 | rkarch@american.edu

Faculty Support

The Faculty Senate

Visit the Faculty Senate Homepage.

Faculty & Staff Affinity Groups

The Faculty & Staff Affinity Group program is part of an effort to further our commitment to Inclusive Excellence at AU. Affinity groups consist of people linked by a common purpose or interest. These common interests can include job functions, race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, education, geography, military status, etc.

Learn more about and sign up to join AU’s Affinity Groups.

Resources for Inclusive Teaching

Inclusive classrooms are pro-social environments that encourage students to respect the diversity of thought, background, and perspective. Such classrooms are characterized by civil discourse that acknowledges and explores multiple perspectives. An inclusive classroom makes clear that all students have a voice, and diversity in all its forms is respected.

Eagle Online Excellence – Designing High-Quality Online Courses

Eagle Online Excellence (EOE) is an institutional effort to support AU faculty members who are committed to designing high-quality online courses. We provide tools, resources, and the expert guidance of skilled instructional designers to help faculty design their courses utilizing a modified Quality Matters rubric. Faculty can complete the EOE course certification process and receive the EOE Digital Badge of Excellence, which designates their course(s) as being of the highest quality for online courses at AU.

The Eagle Online Excellence initiative provides valuable resources for all faculty members, including:

A detailed evaluation checklist consisting of research-based standards to guide online course design
Formal instructional design consultation and course review process
Professional development opportunities in online course design, including webinars, online trainings, and a series of micro-learning courses.

If you are currently teaching online and would like to learn more about distinguishing your course with the Eagle Online Excellence initiative, please visit our website or reach out directly at eoe@american.edu.

Research Support

CTRL offers a variety of workshops each semester to train members of the AU community in the software that it supports.

Visit our Research Support page to learn more about AU’s available research software.

Green Teaching Program

Now in its 17th year, the program has certified close to 1,000 individual professors at AU as “Green Teachers,” by allowing them to collect points for a variety of environmental actions, intended to (1) reduce the use of paper by moving towards using course materials, assignments, and exams in an electronic format; (2) reduce the use of energy and reduce pollution by using energy efficient equipment, e.g. by making a habit of turning off equipment not in use; scheduling office hours on the day of class; or biking or carpooling to campus; and (3) commit to other measures, such as using reusable food and beverage containers; or talking to department staff about purchasing recycled materials and supplies. Certified faculty receive a Green Teaching Certificate Seal which they can include on course pages and syllabi.

Learn more about the Green Teaching Program.

Campus Resources

Dean of Students Office

The Office of the Dean of Students supports student learning through programs and services that promote growth and development, communicate the values and standards of the AU community, and advocate for students’ needs.

Student Health Center

Learn more about the Student Health Center.

Counseling Center

Learn more about the Counseling Center.

Health Promotion and Advocacy Center

The mission of the American University Health Promotion and Advocacy Center is to provide students with wellness resources, to promote healthy lifestyles, reduce high-risk behaviors, and offer a safe, non-discriminatory environment.

Center for Diversity & Inclusion (CDI)

The Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) works to advance American University’s commitment to respecting and valuing diversity by serving as a resource and liaison for students, staff, and faculty on issues of equity through education, outreach, and advocacy. To achieve this mission, the center is dedicated to enhancing LGBTQ, multicultural, first generation, and women’s experiences on campus.

Care Network

The Office of the Dean of Students provides an easy to use reporting tool to share concerns about student behaviors. If you recognize signs of distress or observe disruptive behavior, submit an online report through the Care Network (also found on the myAU.american.edu portal under the Life@AU tab). The Care Network is accessible to faculty, staff and students.

Learn more about the Care Network.

Academic Coaching

Academic Coaching is a free service available for all American University undergraduate and graduate students. In one-on-one meetings, learners work with professional academic coaches to identify and enhance academic strategies. Sessions are interactive and learners can expect to leave with a strategic action plan. In addition to scheduled appointments, students and faculty can access variety of academic coaching resources to support the academic journey. Students can work with an academic coach proactively to develop academic skills to support learning and wellness. Students in receipt of an Academic Alert, formally known as an Early Warning, and students on academic probation are also encouraged to meet with an academic coach.

Faculty are encouraged to refer students to Academic Coaching. It is important to note that Academic Coaching will work one-on-one to support students adjusting to online learning. Together with a coach students can review all course syllabi, establish time management strategies for classes in all modalities, and work on academic skills specific to both online learning and courses being conducted in hybrid modalities.

Topics covered in one-on-one appointments include:

Time management and prioritization
Online learning strategies
Breaking down large assignments
Test prep and test-taking strategies
Task initiation and motivation
Habit building
Reading strategies
Note-taking strategies
And more!

Academic Coaching Resources:

Academic Coaching Contact: academiccoaching@american.edu

ASAC Tutoring Lab

The ASAC Tutoring Lab provides free one-on-one and drop-in tutoring for selected courses in disciplines such as accounting, biology, chemistry and economics. In your 30 minutes or hour appointment, a peer tutor can assist with understanding course content, providing hands-on practice, and discussing best strategies for studying.

Math & Statistics Tutoring Lab

The Mathematics & Statistics Tutoring Lab provides free drop-in tutoring and scheduled one-on-one tutoring appointments to American University students for exam review, homework assignments, and understanding concepts. The Lab tutors Mathematics concepts up to Calculus II and Statistics concepts up to Intermediate Statistics.

International Student Scholar Services

International Student & Scholar Services has resources to support academic success and participation in campus life including academic counseling, support for second language learners, response to questions about visas, immigration status and employment and intercultural programs, clubs and other campus resources.

Supplemental Instruction

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a free group tutoring program that supports historically challenging courses in disciplines such as accounting, biology, chemistry and economics. SI Leaders facilitate weekly group review sessions that reiterate course content. In your one or two hour session, an SI Leader can assist with learning course concepts, facilitating group learning, and sharing best strategies for studying and note taking

Writing Center

Writing Center offers free, individual coaching sessions to all AU students. In your 45-minute session, a student writing consultant can help you address your assignments, understand the conventions of academic writing, and learn how to revise and edit your own work.

Wednesday, January 8 | Online via Zoom

Preparing to Teach: Q & A | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM