New Faculty Find Community and Connection at Orientation
Saint Louis University welcomed its newest faculty members on Wednesday, Aug. 12, with a New Faculty Orientation Day built around one idea – "You Belong at SLU."
"SLU's newest faculty members are teachers, scholars, researchers, and physicians who arrive with tremendous talent and experience," said President Edward Feser, Ph.D. "It was a joy to meet them and learn about the professional journeys that led them here and their aspirations for the future. I'm excited to work with this dynamic group and grateful for the contributions they will make to the University's mission."
The day opened with greetings from University leaders, including Feser and Vice President for Medical Affairs Christine Jacobs, M.D., before turning to what makes SLU distinct. Vice President of Mission and Identity David Suwalsky, S.J., shared SLU's history and Jesuit mission, and Vice President and Chief Belonging Officer Rochelle Smith introduced the Office of Belonging.
"You are not here to become someone else's version of a Jesuit University faculty member," Smith said. "You are uniquely you. Bring your gifts, your questions, your story, and your purpose. You belong here. You matter here."
Faculty then had the chance to connect directly with the offices that support their work, from Human Resources to the Reinert Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning, Office of the Vice President for Research, to the Center for Accessibility and Disability at a Resource Fair in the Busch Student Center.
The Networking Lunch brought new faculty together with the President, Deans, Vice Presidents, and Faculty Senate.
"One of the greatest strengths of Saint Louis University is the people who make up our academic community," said Kathy Johnson, Ph.D., executive vice president and provost. “We want our newest faculty members to know from day one that they are valued colleagues, supported in their work, and connected to a community that will help them thrive as teachers, scholars, clinical practitioners, mentors, and leaders.”
The afternoon's Faculty Flourishing Panels offered candid conversation among faculty about the tough moments, including balancing caregiving responsibilities, mentoring students well, and the successes that came with self-advocacy and negotiating with department chairs and deans. The day wrapped with a President's Reception, giving everyone one more chance to connect before the semester begins and peruse the Saint Louis University Museum of Art.