Since 2016, the Grove Center has hosted this event to welcome and connect new faculty to the Eberly College of Science teaching community. Welcome and Connect is part of New Facutly orientation. The goal is to introduce new faculty to the Grove Center team, the resources provided by the Grove Center, as well as colleagues in their departments who are active in the center, and educational communities. 

Each Welcome and Connect session does the following:

• Introduces new faculty to community members and resources
• Provides practical tools and strategies for effective teaching
• Showcases various communities of practice and professional development opportunities
• Offers insights into student experiences and expectations

Reasons to Attend

There are good reasons for new faculty to attend Welcome and Connect:

• Immediate Integration: From the moment faculty arrive, they're welcomed personally and engaged in activities, helping them feel part of the community right away.
• Networking Opportunities: The session encourages faculty to meet and interact with each other and existing community members, laying the groundwork for future collaborations and support networks.
• Shared Learning Experience: Activities like the syllabus review create a sense of shared purpose and collaborative learning among new faculty.
• Introduction to Support Systems: By introducing various resources, communities of practice, and events, the session helps new faculty understand the extensive support network available to them.
• Insight into the Eberly College of Science Culture: The session communicates the college’s commitment to teaching excellence and student-centered approaches, helping new faculty align with the college's values.
• Practical Tools: Providing resources like infographics and syllabus templates gives new faculty immediate, practical ways to engage with the community's best practices.
• Future Connections: By introducing ongoing events and communities of practice, the session sets the stage for continued engagement and belonging beyond the orientation.

Over the years, our vision for this session has evolved from what used to be a more informational session. Our goal is to host a welcoming, informative, and interactive event that not only prepares new faculty for their teaching responsibilities but also immediately begins integrating them into the supportive, collaborative community of educators within the Eberly College of Science.