New Faculty Academy

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New Faculty Academy

New Faculty Academy

Welcome to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). Our New Faculty Academy program is thoughtfully designed to support your successful transition into the university and broader Rio Grande Valley community. The program begins in August with New Faculty Convocation and a day of developmental training and continues throughout the fall with monthly developmental sessions.

This comprehensive program introduces new full-time faculty to the institution’s mission, culture, and key academic and operational resources. It also includes a series of professional development workshops focused on teaching excellence, research support, and faculty success. Through this initiative, faculty will begin building meaningful connections with colleagues and campus leaders while gaining a deeper understanding of the university’s priorities and the region we proudly serve.

Session details and scheduling information will be shared directly with new faculty via email in advance of each event.

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Faculty Affairs at facultyaffairs@utrgv.edu. We look forward to supporting you in your journey at UTRGV.

New Faculty Convocation

Date: Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM- 3:30 PM

Location: Edinburg Campus

Convocation
AGENDA
Time	Presentation	Location
9:00 AM	Dr. Cinthya M. Saavedra, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Office of Faculty Affairs Welcome to New Faculty Convocation	ESTAC 1.112 A-C
9:30 AM	Dr. Jonikka Charlton, Senior Vice Provost for Student Success & Academic Affairs, Dean of University College Office of Student Success Student Success at UTRGV	ESTAC 1.112 A-C
10:00 AM	Student Panel What Students Wish Faculty Knew	ESTAC 1.112 A-C
10:30 AM	Dr. Joy Esquierdo, Vice Provost for Bilingual Integration Office of Bilingual Integration Bilingual, Bicultural, and Biliterate Learning at UTRGV	ESTAC 1.112 A-C
11:00 AM	Dr. Can Saygin, Senior Vice President for Research, Dean of Graduate College Division of Research The Division of Research at UTRGV	ESTAC 1.112 A-C
11:30 AM	Faculty Panel Kickstarting your Scholarship at UTRGV	ESTAC 1.112 A-C
12:00 PM	Resource Showcase & Lunch	ESTAC 1.101
1:00 PM	Mr. Rolando Segovia, Employee Engagement and Wellness Coordinator Office of Human Resources New Faculty Onboarding and Employee Benefits at UTRGV	ESTAC 1.112 A-C
3:00 PM	Dr. Luis Zayas, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Office of the Provost Closing Remarks from the Provost	ESTAC 1.112 A-C

Faculty Development Day

Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM- 3:00 PM

Location: Online through Zoom

Development Day
AGENDA
Time	Presentation	Location
10:00 AM	Dr. Art Brownlow, Professor, Faculty Fellow for Academic Innovation An Introduction to Brightspace	Online (Zoom)
11:00 AM	Dr. Colin Charlton, Associate Dean, Professor, UT System Academy of Distinguished Teachers Teaching 101: Practical Advice for Your First Year at UTRGV	Online (Zoom)
1:00 PM	Dr. Thomas Spencer, Associate Vice President for Research Operations Office of Research Operations Research Support for Faculty	Online (Zoom)
2:00 PM	Dr. Mirayda Torres-Avila, Assistant Director for Post Approval Monitoring Compliance Office of Research Integrity Navigating Research Integrity at UTRGV: A Quick Guide for Faculty	Online (Zoom)

Monthly Developmental Sessions

Title IX and Compliance

Date: Friday, September 19, 2025

Time: 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Location: Online (Zoom)

This session will introduce new faculty to UTRGV’s Title IX and Compliance team. Participants will gain an understanding of their responsibilities in supporting institutional policies, with practical guidance on fostering a safe and conducive learning environment for all students.

SRS and SAS

Student Rights and Responsibilities (SRS) & Student Accessibility Services (SAS)

Date: Friday, October 17, 2025

Time: 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Location: Online (Zoom)

This session will feature representatives from the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (SRS) and Student Accessibility Services (SAS). Faculty will receive an overview of student conduct expectations and the procedures for addressing academic or behavioral concerns, as well as guidance on providing appropriate accommodations and supporting students with disabilities. The session will equip faculty with practical strategies to maintain a learning environment that is compliant and supportive to student success.

Support for Faculty

Grievances, Ombuds, and Resolution Paths

Date: Friday, November 14, 2025

Time: 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Location: Online (Zoom)

This session will introduce faculty to the role of the University Ombuds and provide an overview of the faculty grievance process. Faculty will learn about available resources for resolving workplace concerns, navigating conflicts, and understanding formal and informal resolution pathways. The session will offer guidance on fostering a professional and constructive academic environment.

1st Year

Dossier Workshop

Date: Friday, December 5, 2025

Times:

• 1:00 – 2:00 PM (Tenure-Track Faculty)
• 2:30 – 3:30 PM (Annual Review for Professional Track and Tenured Faculty)
Location: Online (Zoom)

This workshop, presented by the Office of Faculty Affairs, will guide faculty through the preparation and submission of their dossiers. Participants will receive detailed instructions tailored to tenure-track, professional track, and tenured faculty. The session will clarify expectations and provide practical tips for compiling a strong and comprehensive dossier.

New Faculty Academy

New Faculty Academy

New Faculty Convocation

Faculty Development Day

Monthly Developmental Sessions

Title IX and Compliance

SRS and SAS

Student Rights and Responsibilities (SRS) & Student Accessibility Services (SAS)

Support for Faculty

Grievances, Ombuds, and Resolution Paths

1st Year

Dossier Workshop

Office of Faculty Affairs

Edinburg

Brownsville

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