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New faculty, academic leaders launch AY 2026-27 with FDS Week

Chancellor Schwartz speaking at New Faculty Orientation 2026
New faculty getting to know one another
Provost Stevens talks with new faculty member
Dean Molenaar meets with Engineering faculty
New faculty member listen to a representative at Resource Fair
OFA staff help new faculty check in at event
Michele Moses addresses academic leaders
Academic leaders discussing at a table
Dr. Leo Lo speaking with Provost Stevens
Dr. Casey Fiesler addresses audience

This year, the Office of Faculty Affairs (OFA) welcomed new and returning faculty members and academic leaders to CU ǸԹ under the Faculty Development and Success (FDS) Week banner, a campuswide series of orientation, networking and professional development events designed to foster connection, engagement and success from day one.

By the numbers

  • 137 new faculty members welcomed at New Faculty Orientation, representing tenure-track, teaching, clinical, faculty-in-residence and visiting scholar appointments. Chancellor Justin Schwartz greeted attendees during the morning program, and Provost Ann Stevens rounded out the day by welcoming everyone to the afternoon Faculty SPACE social gathering.
  • 41 academic leaders participated in Academic Leaders Institute (ALI) New & Returning Leaders Orientation.
  • 86 attendees joined the ALI Fall Summit on artificial intelligence.
  • FDS Week spanned orientation, leadership development, community-building and professional learning opportunities across multiple campus units including the Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL), the Office of Information Technology (OIT), the Office for Public and Community-Engaged Scholarship (PACES), Research & Innovation Office (RIO), Faculty-Staff Assistance Program (FSAP), and Employee Health & Well-Being (EHWB).

At New Faculty Orientation on Aug. 13, new faculty explored key campus resources and opportunities for involvement at CU ǸԹ. Sessions introduced participants to a dedicated  that serves as an information hub, along with a “who’s who” directory of new faculty. The third annual Buff Besties session offered a fun, informal opportunity for faculty to begin to build relationships, while the Faculty Resource Fair featured more than 20 campus offices sharing resources ranging from athletics and research computing to public engagement, sustainability and well-being. Attendees also joined a plenary discussion on shared equity leadership ԻThriving at CU breakout sessions focused on teaching, research and creative work, and student mentoring.

Earlier in the week, more than 40 department chairs, associate chairs, program directors, and other academic leaders participated in the Academic Leaders Institute (ALI) New & Returning Leaders Orientation. The program highlighted strategies and resources for navigating difficult conversations, partnering with CU ǸԹ Advancement and strengthening leadership networks across campus.

FDS Week also included the Aug. 14 ALI Fall Summit on artificial intelligence. The event brought together national thought leaders, including  from the University of Virginia and CU ǸԹ faculty member Dr. Casey Fiesler, to explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence in higher education and its implications for academic life and leadership.

“Faculty are at the heart of everything we do at CU ǸԹ. FDS Week is about helping new and continuing faculty build meaningful connections, discover resources that support their success, and engage with important ideas and conversations,” said Michele Moses, vice chancellor and senior vice provost for faculty affairs. “We are excited to welcome (and welcome back!) this accomplished group of faculty and academic leaders to our community and look forward to supporting them throughout their journey at CU ǸԹ.”

FDS Week marks the start of a yearlong commitment to faculty growth, connection and success. To stay informed throughout the year, subscribe to the FDS newsletter.

For more information, contact FacultyAffairs@Colorado.EDU.

Photos by Glenn Asakawa and Patrick Campbell.