Navigating IUB: New Faculty Guide

Programs and Development Opportunities for New Faculty

July 15, 2025

On behalf of the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs (OVPFAA), it is my great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you. We are delighted that you have chosen to take the next step in your academic journey here at Indiana University Bloomington. 

This year, IUB is proud to welcome more than 110 new full-time academic appointees across our sixteen schools and the College. As a member of the IUB faculty, you are joining a vibrant community of scholars, researchers, educators, and creative professionals—colleagues who, like you, are driven by a shared commitment to excellence in research, teaching, scholarship, and creative activity. Your expertise and passion will not only enrich our academic environment but also serve to inspire our students. 

We recognize that these are times of uncertainty across higher education. Please rest assured that the OVPFAA is here to support you every step of the way. While it can sometimes feel overwhelming to navigate such a large institution, know that you are deeply valued and supported—not only by your departmental and school colleagues but also by a dedicated network of professionals across campus. 

As you settle in, explore the many programs that OVPFAA sponsors for faculty enrichment and development, including our outstanding Scholarly Writing Program, faculty mentoring programs, and William T. Patten Foundation Lecture Series, to name a few. I encourage you to get involved—attend a lecture, participate in a promotion and tenure workshop, or learn more about IUB’s research incentive programs. Whether you have questions, ideas, or simply want to connect, please do not hesitate to reach out to us (vpfaa@iu.edu). 

I look forward to meeting you at the New Faculty Orientation and Welcome Picnic on Friday, August 22, 2025 from 4-7pm at the Virgil T. DeVault Alumni Center and wish you all success in the days and years to come! Go Hoosiers! 

 

Carrie Docherty, Ph.D.

Professor and Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs

Upcoming Events for New Faculty

See more events from OVPFAA

IU Human Resources Benefits Webinar

All new academic appointments are invited to join the virtual webinar, IU Human Resources Benefits Webinar. A collaboration between IUHR and the OVPFAA, this live webinar will introduce you to the resources available to you through Indiana University including medical plans, retirement plans, spending and savings accounts, tuition assistant programs, and academic leave policies, etc., as well as programs offered by the OVPFAA. 

The webinar is scheduled for Monday, August 4, 2025, 1-2pm; RSVP required. 

OVPFAA New Faculty Social Events

The OVPFAA hosts several social gatherings for new faculty throughout the academic year. This year, the office is planning a wide range of cultural, informational, and sports related events including: 

IUB New Faculty Lotus Festival pre-event social gathering – September 26, 2025, 5pm - RSVP 

IUB New Faculty Evening at the theater – October 25, 2025, 6:30pm, RSVP 

IUB New Faculty Night at IU Women’s basketball game (Date TBD) 

IUB New Faculty Family bowling evening – (Date TBD, Spring 2026) 

IUB New Faculty Night at the opera – April 18, 2026 (more details to come) 

All events include a social gathering with refreshments, discounted or free tickets to the event, and other surprises. Each event requires an RSVP with limitations on availability (first come, first served). Families and partners are invited. Come out and meet some of your fellow new faculty and their guests, along with members of the OVPFAA team. 

Hoosiers Connect

You are all invited to participate in a new initiative sponsored by the OVPFAA, Hoosiers Connect. This group faculty mentoring program is designed for full-time academic appointments who are new to the IUB community. This program will connect you with other new faculty in a group setting facilitated by a current IUB faculty mentor. Through this program, you will be exposed to a wide range of resources available to IUB faculty both on campus and within the greater Bloomington community. 

The program consists of a welcome event followed by four small group meetings (September, October, November, and February) where you will meet other new to IUB faculty and learn more about your new home and the many resources and opportunities provided both on and off campus. 

Interested? Submit your name and contact information using this form and a member of the OVPFAA will be in touch! Join us for the inaugural year of Hoosiers Connect!