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
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