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. Beginning in August with New Faculty Orientation along with a day of developmental training, new full-time faculty will continue to meet monthly throughout the fall semester.
This comprehensive program introduces new 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!
New Faculty Academy Schedule
|
Time |
Presentation |
|---|---|
|
9:00 AM |
Welcome to New Faculty Orientation Dr. Guy Bailey, President of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley |
|
9:15 AM |
Remarks from the Provost Dr. Can Saygin, Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs |
|
10:00 AM |
Remarks from the Senior Vice President of Health Affairs Dr. Michael Lehker, Senior Vice President of Health Affairs and Dean of the College of Health Professions |
|
10:45 AM |
Student Success at UTRGV Dr. Jonikka Charlton, Senior Vice Provost for Student Success & Academic Affairs, Dean of University College |
|
11:30 AM |
Lunch & Mingle |
|
1:00 PM |
Resource Showcase |
|
3:00 PM |
Human Resources at UTRGV Mr. Paul Scott, Associate VP of Organizational Development, Training and Engagement |
|
4:00 PM |
Town Hall Dr. Can Saygin, Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Michael Lehker, Senior Vice President of Health Affairs and Dean of the College of Health Professions Dr. Jonikka Charlton, Senior Vice Provost for Student Success & Academic Affairs, Dean of University College Dr. Robert Dearth, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs |
|
Time |
Presentation |
|---|---|
|
9:00 AM |
Prioritizing your Responsibilities Faculty Success Program Alumni |
|
10:00 AM |
An Introduction to Brightspace and Simple Syllabus Tobias Weinrich, Lecturer I, College of Sciences |
|
11:00 AM |
Three Firsts: Goals of Engagement for Teaching Year One at UTRGV Dr. Colin Charlton, Associate Dean, Professor, UT System Academy of Distinguished Teachers |
|
1:00 PM |
Research Support for Faculty Dr. Thomas Spencer, Senior Associate Vice President for Research Operations |
|
2:00 PM |
Navigating Research Integrity at UTRGV: A Quick Guide for Faculty Dr. Glorimar Colon, Assistant Vice President for Research Integrity |
|
3:00 PM |
Artificial Intelligence at UTRGV AI Taskforce Panel |
|
Date and Time |
Presentation |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Friday, September 18, 2026 2:00-3:00 PM |
Title IX and Compliance |
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. |
|
Friday, October 16, 2026 2:00- 3:00 PM |
SRS and SAS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SRS) and Student Accessibility Services (SAS) |
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. |
|
Friday, November 20, 2026 2:00- 3:00 PM |
Student Panel: What Students Wish Faculty Knew |
This session centers the student experience at UTRGV by an opportunity for student leaders to share their perspectives on learning, engagement, and belonging both inside and outside the classroom. Through a moderated open and candid panel conversation, students will offer insight into the factors that shape their academic journeys, the challenges they navigate, and the practices that most meaningfully support their success. Designed to help faculty better understand the unique experiences and expectations of UTRGV students, this session invites participants to reflect on how their teaching approaches can more intentionally foster connection and student-centered learning. |
|
Friday, December 4, 2026 1:00- 2:00 PM (Tenure-Track Faculty)
2:30- 3:30 PM (Annual Review for Professional Track and Tenured Faculty) |
1st Year Dossier Workshop |
This session, 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. |
Resources for New Faculty
Faculty can review insurance, retirement, and additional benefits through Human Resources.
Office of Human Resources
Contact HR with questions related to benefits or employment status.
Simple Syllabus is the University’s new syllabus management process. UTRGV utilizes Simple Syllabus as the official method for creating, updating, and managing compliance of course syllabi. Published syllabi will be publicly accessible and searchable by students through the syllabus platform.
The Center for Online Learning and Teaching Technology is UTRGV’s central hub for faculty to access resources, information, and support for integrating applied technologies and best pedagogical practices in teaching, learning, and research.
Teaching Online
COLTT supports Brightspace, course design, accessibility, and educational technology.
Faculty Training
The Center for Online Learning & Teaching Technology offers hands-on training sessions for all UTRGV faculty. Learn how to leverage Brightspace to enhance your courses, regardless of your teaching modality (face-to-face, hybrid, or online).
The V OneCard is the official UTRGV ID and is issued at no cost to employees.
Our faculty handbook webpage serves as a one stop shop for faculty to browse through resources and information relevant to them.
Past New Faculty Orientation: In Photos
