Dietrich College Incoming Faculty Orientation
Fall 2025 Orientation
Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025
noon to 4:30 p.m. (in-person)
Posner Grand Room (Posner Hall 340)
The Dietrich College Incoming Faculty Orientation is a one-day event intended to help strengthen connections with the college community by meeting faculty from other departments during our welcome lunch. It is also an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of resources within the college during our afternoon sessions.
Dietrich College Faculty Orientation Schedule
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Dean's Welcome Lunch
Welcome by Richard Scheines, Bess Family Dean, department heads and faculty introductions.
1:30 to 1:35 p.m.
Orientation Introductions
Jeria Quesenberry, associate dean of faculty
1:35 to 2 p.m.
Dietrich College Office of Undergraduate Studies
Sharon Carver, associate dean for educational affairs
Jay Devine, associate dean for undergraduate studies
Kelli Maxwell, associate dean for student success
2 to 3 p.m.
Dietrich College Programs
Julie Downs, associate dean of research
Ayana Ledford, associate dean for community impact and educational outreach
Abby Simmons, associate dean of communications
Liz Cooper, associate dean of advancement and external relations
3 to 3:15 p.m.
Break
3:15 to 3:45 p.m.
Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression
Richard Scheines, Bess Family Dean
3:45 to 4:30 p.m.
Dietrich College Promotion and Tenure Process
Richard Scheines, Bess Family Dean
Special track faculty, including post docs, are welcome to join
Resources for New Faculty
Getting Started
- CMU New Faculty Orientation: university-wide orientation for new faculty with helpful onboarding tools
- HR New Hire Portal: onboarding resources and services, including benefits, ID cards and computing areas
Teaching and Academic Support
- Vice Provost for Faculty: resources on appointments, promotion and tenure processes, mentoring and professional development, teaching excellence, leaves, dual career support and more for both new and established faculty members
- Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence: resources, workshops and consultations to support effective teaching
College Contacts and Support
- Jeria Quesenberry, associate dean of faculty: for questions about appointments, reviews and college-level policies
- Department Heads and Administrative Coordinators: your department's first point of contact for local procedures and support