The Office of Faculty Affairs launches New Faculty Academy to build community, strengthen networks, and guide early-career faculty toward long-term success.
The Office of Faculty Affairs has initiated a new program called New Faculty Academy, a series of monthly information sessions that take place in various locations across the Maryland campus. The program is designed for faculty to increase their understanding of campus culture and expand their network of colleagues.
The series continues this spring with the sessions Setting Realistic Goals on March 6 and Managing Stress and Rejection on April 10.
The New Faculty Academy builds on the foundation started with New Faculty Orientation, a daylong event at the start of the academic year, said Gary Totten, vice provost for faculty affairs. “While New Faculty Orientation provides a broad overview of UNLV’s mission and the role that faculty play in that mission, New Faculty Academy provides practical advice about how to adjust to and manage responsibilities regarding research, teaching, and service and to support faculty in their advancement toward tenure and promotion.”
Each session includes a panel of experienced faculty members who discuss topics of interest to new faculty. It also includes time for questions as well as a period for informal discussions and networking. Serving as moderator for these sessions is Haroon Sahotra, associate vice provost for faculty affairs.
“We intentionally designed the sessions around panel discussions because they encourage candid, experience-based conversations,” said Sahotra. “Hearing from current faculty across disciplines helps normalize common challenges and creates space for meaningful dialogue and peer connection.”
The current series started in the fall with three sessions. Feedback was positive. One attendee shared, “Thank you for putting this network together. I've truly enjoyed attending the workshops and have already seen the benefits of applying what I've learned to my work.” Another expressed appreciation for the diverse perspectives of the panel members.
While intended for faculty who are in their first year at UNLV, New Faculty Academy can benefit any faculty member who is in the early stages of their career. As Sahotra puts it, “New Faculty Academy is about investing in our faculty, supporting engagement, collaboration, and career development in ways that benefit both individuals and the institution.”
As a long-time faculty member himself, Sahotra understands the importance of the kind of supportive, community-oriented environment the New Faculty Academy seeks to encourage. “I know how valuable it can be to hear honest advice early, especially around managing time, setting realistic goals, and navigating stress and rejection,” he said.
The Office of Faculty Affairs is dedicated to supporting faculty at UNLV at every stage of their academic careers, offering resources and services to support faculty development and success.
