New Faculty Orientation
Office of Faculty Development
Western Michigan University's New Faculty Orientation (NFO) welcomes new, full-time faculty and provides essential information as they begin the academic year.
NFO focuses on increasing awareness of key resources and supports for faculty and students while fostering a sense of belonging within the WMU community.
Note: OFD offers Professional (part-time) instructors a dedicated orientation designed specifically to support their teaching role at WMU.
Hosted by the Office of Faculty Development in collaboration with the Office of the Provost and with support from the Office of the President, NFO offers new faculty members the opportunity to:
- Provide an overview of resources for teaching, research, and professional growth
- Facilitate connections with colleagues and campus leaders
- Increase awareness of services and strategies to support student success
- Prepare faculty to begin teaching with an understanding of WMU students, course design, and academic policies
- Develop familiarity with WMU's institutional culture, governance, and community
Following orientation, the Office of Faculty Development, the Teaching and Learning team, and numerous campus partners offer additional workshops and opportunities for faculty to connect, learn, and grow throughout the year.
Note: Some colleges and departments may also provide their own orientation programs.
Program Details
New Faculty Orientation is typically held during the first three days of the fall faculty contract (Monday through Wednesday) before classes begin. All new full-time faculty members and faculty who have changed roles at WMU will receive an invitation with detailed information starting in May.
New Faculty Orientation Schedule
The Fall 2027 New Faculty Orientation schedule will be released during the Spring semester. Orientation runs in the Fall semester and typically begins Monday afternoon during the first week of the faculty academic contract, beginning immediately following WMU New Employee Orientation, and concludes around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
If you begin at WMU in the Spring semester, please contact the Office of Faculty Development. We’re happy to connect with you and share helpful resources. We also invite you to join the Early Career Faculty Seminar, which offers programming throughout the year.
Human Resources New Employee Orientation (NEO)
Human Resources New Employee Orientation (NEO)
Human Resources offers a separate, distinct orientation for all new WMU hires. At New Employee Orientation (NEO), new hires receive essential information regarding benefits, payroll, and working at WMU. New Faculty Orientation follows the Human Resources' New Employee Orientation (NEO) on Monday, Aug. 17, from 8:30 a.m. to approximately noon. New faculty attending the NEO can easily transition to our program. If faculty or instructors have questions or conflicts, please contact the HR Service Center directly at @email or by phone at (269) 387-3620.