VUSN has a comprehensive orientation program for non-tenure track new faculty that begins prior to arrival and extends for several months. New faculty are asked to complete self-assessment tools and other activities as appropriate, to meet with key individuals at the school, and participate all structured orientation plans, as these are designed to facilitate the transition into the VUSN community across administrative, academic, social, and technologic domains.

The success of the new faculty orientation program is highly dependent upon the new faculty member fulfilling certain responsibilities throughout the process, including the following:

• Completion of the Self-Assessment of Educator Competencies  [PDF]
• Review of Kolb Learning Cycle Self-Assessment [PDF] and Definitions [PDF]
• Review Faculty Expectations
• Review Faculty Role Description
• Submit all requested paperwork in a timely manner
• Preparation and participation in goal-setting for all meetings/sessions associated new faculty orientations
• Attend all scheduled meetings with identified individuals
• Meet with the Associate Dean Non-Tenure Track Faculty Affairs and Advancement at the end of 1 year of employment to review goals for the year, and set an individualized plan for continuing success at VUSN
• Participation in new faculty mentoring group program
• Attend new faculty group orientation sessions
• Provide feedback on the overall orientation program, including what aspects were most helpful in facilitating a positive transition to the faculty role, other activities might have been helpful, and how the program could be improved

The new faculty member is the only one who can adequately speak to what is clear or unclear, the barriers and challenges of transition, and what kind of help is needed.  Therefore, that individual takes responsibility for helping to ensure that the orientation program is effective. Suggestions for improvement of the program are always welcomed and should be submitted to or discussed with the Associate Dean Non-Tenure Track Faculty Affairs and Advancement.