New Indiana University Bloomington faculty members gathered on Aug. 22 at the DeVault Alumni Center for the annual New Faculty Orientation Picnic and Resource Fair.
Faculty were encouraged to bring their families as they had the opportunity to chat with department chairs and school deans, learn more about campus resources, and share a meal with new colleagues.
The event, held each year before the start of the fall semester, is coordinated by the office of the vice provost for faculty and academic affairs.
Cindy Broderick, Ph.D., director of faculty recruitment and development in the office of the vice provost for faculty and academic affairs, greeted attendees as they arrived at the resource fair tent and throughout the event. She works closely with incoming faculty and coordinates the new faculty social events sponsored by the office throughout the year.
“I always look forward to reconnecting with new faculty I met during the recruitment process and meeting those I have not yet had the chance to meet,” Broderick said. “I’m equally excited to see colleagues from across campus come together in support our new faculty as they acclimate, feel welcomed, and become part of our community.”
Kai Wang, Ph.D., a new assistant professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, said attending the picnic allowed him to connect with key leaders and other faculty across campus.
“I decided to attend the picnic because it seemed like a great way to meet colleagues and get to know the community in a relaxed setting,” Wang said. “The resource fair booth at the picnic was really nice and welcoming.”
Following the resource fair, guests listened to remarks from campus leadership, including President Pamela Whitten, Chancellor David Reingold, Provost Rahul Shrivastav, Bloomington Faculty Council President William “Bill” Ramos, and Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs Carrie Docherty.
Stacey Wiseman, a new clinical assistant professor in the Department of Applied Health Science, said she enjoyed her whole welcome week experience and was especially impressed with the support available for faculty and students.
“I had heard many people say the picnic was their favorite part of welcome week, so I didn't want to miss out,” Wiseman said.
Cyndi Eskine, who oversees the Emeriti House in the office of the vice provost for faculty and academic affairs, has coordinated the picnic for 25 years and has seen the event grow.
“It went from an attendance rate of 50 people to 500,” Eskine said. “It has changed over time, but seeing all the new faculty who are coming to IU and being able to interact with them is incredible.”
