New Faculty

Welcome to Mizzou! The Office of the Provost is planning several virtual and in-person events to welcome new faculty to Mizzou. Plans are in the works, so please check back to this website as new information and details are posted.

If you have any questions about New Faculty Orientation events or anything else that pertains to your transition to MU, please feel free to be in touch with me at kubyc@missouri.edu.

All my best,

Candace Kuby

Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs

Faculty Orientation Video

Please watch this welcome video for new faculty from the Office of the Provost.

Faculty Video

New Faculty Orientation

Monday, August 17, 2:00pm-6:00pm: Reception hosted by the Office of the Provost for new faculty members at The Shack, located in the MU Student Center at 901 Rollins St. Join us for food, music, and time to meet your new Mizzou colleagues in this lovely setting in the heart of our campus.

Tuesday, August 18, 8:00am-4:00pm: New Faculty Orientation events will take place in the south tower of Memorial Union located at 518 Hitt Street. Stay tuned for more information about the sessions on research, working with your department chair, teaching supports, the graduate school, extension and outreach, and much more!

Wednesday, August 19, 8:00am-4:00pm: New Faculty Mentor Training. Mentoring at Mizzou is a professional development opportunity for Mizzou faculty and staff who mentor graduate students, post docs, and/or faculty. The program uses Entering Mentoring curricula developed by the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research. This professional development uses an evidence-based, interactive approach designed to help mentors develop skills for engaging in productive, culturally responsive, research mentoring relationships – relationships that optimize the success of both mentor and mentees.

Click here to view specific 2026 College/School orientation events.

May 26, 2026 11:00-12:00 pm

The focus of this session is on what new faculty need to know about our community and local resources.

Zoom link: https://umsystem.zoom.us/j/93907547182

Meeting ID: 939 0754 7182

June 9, 2026 2:30-3:30 pm

The focus of this session is on what new faculty need to know about HR, benefits, and related faculty resources on campus.

Zoom link: https://umsystem.zoom.us/j/97129719625

Meeting ID: 971 2971 9625

June 23, 2026 3:00-4:00 pm

The focus of this session is on what new faculty need to know about campus supports for planning their syllabi and class activities.

Zoom link: https://umsystem.zoom.us/j/99598666146

Meeting ID: 995 9866 6146

2026-2027 Supports

New Faculty Webinars

Meet Your Subject Librarian

Learn more about how our librarians work with faculty and academic programs.

Click here to schedule a one-on-one appointment with your subject librarian.

Welcome to Mizzou Online

Friday, May 15, 2026 @ 12:00pm

Registration link: https://ds.libcal.com/event/16782570

This session offers a quick and helpful overview for anyone teaching online courses at Mizzou. You’ll learn:

How to get support for your online teaching at Mizzou
How Mizzou Online and UM Academic Technology work together to help you take your teaching to the next level
Where to find professional learning programs like our Online Teaching Certification Seminar and Sprint mini-courses

Make a Good First Impression: The Syllabus

Thursday, June 11, 2026 @12:00pm

Zoom link: https://umsystem.zoom.us/j/98029384789?pwd=Sjl5eDFGcEFyaDljb2ZlZmdYclFOZz09

Meeting ID: 980 2938 4789

Passcode: 643036

In this session, we’ll discuss the syllabus as a strategic document of our course design that serves as a clear roadmap for the class. Faculty will learn how to use the syllabus to effectively communicate course learning objectives, assessment strategies, engaging learning experiences, and acceptable AI use in class. By the end of the session, faculty will better understand how to create a welcoming, learner-centered syllabus that supports student motivation and works as a dynamic tool to guide teaching and learning throughout the semester.

Growing as an Online Instructor

Monday, June 22, 2026 @10:00am

Registration link: https://ds.libcal.com/event/16782593

Exploring Online Teaching Certification introduces Mizzou instructors to the purpose, structure, and value of Online Teaching Certification. This session will explain who certification is for, how the Online Teaching Certification and flexible recertification pathways work, and why certification plays a critical role in supporting high-quality online teaching and the University of Missouri’s accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission. Whether you’re preparing to teach online for the first time or approaching your five-year recertification window, this webinar will help you understand your options, expectations, and next steps.

Plan For Success: Directing and Assessing Student Learning

Thursday, July 16, 2026 @12:00pm

Zoom link: https://umsystem.zoom.us/j/98029384789?pwd=Sjl5eDFGcEFyaDljb2ZlZmdYclFOZz09

Meeting ID: 980 2938 4789

Passcode: 643036

This session’s topic takes us on a deeper dive into how we can align well-defined course learning objectives with assessment strategies that give all students multiple opportunities to demonstrate their learning throughout the course. By the end of this workshop, faculty will have had an opportunity to generate clear, measurable, and attainable learning objectives that map to multiple measures of student learning.

Library Research & Teaching Orientation Webinar for New Faculty

Thursday, July 16, 2026 @1:00pm

Click here to register for this event.

Start your academic life at Mizzou with a clear understanding of how MU Libraries can support your teaching, research, and student success. This orientation-level webinar for new faculty will introduce key library services, resources, and support available through the University Libraries, including research assistance, access services, teaching and learning support, course-integrated instruction, collections, and tools that can help you and your students thrive.

Welcome to Mizzou Online

Friday, July 17, 2026 @ 12:00pm

Registration link: https://ds.libcal.com/event/16782575

This session offers a quick and helpful overview for anyone teaching online courses at Mizzou. You’ll learn:

How to get support for your online teaching at Mizzou
How Mizzou Online and UM Academic Technology work together to help you take your teaching to the next level
Where to find professional learning programs like our Online Teaching Certification Seminar and Sprint mini-courses

Growing as an Online Instructor

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 @2:00pm

Registration link: https://ds.libcal.com/event/16782600

The Learning Journey: Implementing Engaging Instruction

Thursday, August 6, 2026 @12:00pm

Zoom link: https://umsystem.zoom.us/j/98029384789?pwd=Sjl5eDFGcEFyaDljb2ZlZmdYclFOZz09

Meeting ID: 980 2938 4789

Passcode: 643036

This workshop is designed to equip faculty with effective instructional strategies that encourage active student engagement. Attendees will explore how to deliver interactive lectures, employ questioning that invites student participation, and intersperse brief activities throughout their classes. Faculty will walk away from this session with practical examples and a toolkit of helpful methods.

Questioning the Bot: Teaching Critical Thinking with AI

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 @ 11:30am

Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeN4L9rhb6eCVSsreKjuiQCrh20BnzkAdOCdajBHjOAvaa4_A/viewf orm?usp=header

Generative AI can produce answers instantly and (conﬁdently!), but that doesn’t mean those answers are accurate, thoughtful, or complete. In this session, we’ll share classroom activities that ask students to question AI-generated texts to evaluate the quality and expose gaps, biases, or inaccuracies. These critical analysis activities can help students develop 21st century media literacy skills that are useful for all disciplines and apply to the media world beyond AI, too.

Making the Grade: Grading Practices that Support Meaningful Assessment

Thursday, September 24, 2026 @12:00pm

Zoom link: https://umsystem.zoom.us/j/98029384789?pwd=Sjl5eDFGcEFyaDljb2ZlZmdYclFOZz09

Meeting ID: 980 2938 4789

Passcode: 643036

In this brief session, we’ll dig deeper into the topic of grading in theory and practice, and how our own grading practices relate to the assessment of student learning. We’ll have a chance to consider together common grading challenges, such as subjectivity, inconsistency, grade inflation, and defensibility. By the end of this session, we’ll hopefully be better able to implement grading approaches that support meaningful assessment of student learning.

The Power of Handwriting: Fostering Authentic Engagement in WI Courses

Friday, October 16, 2026 @ 12:00pm

Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQe9hrywonG6Dk7hTJzR2ceLlElZQLwMzv-Yr25-qxOj8vAQ/viewform?usp=header

Many instructors are returning to handwritten assignments to keep students engaged in their learning. This workshop explores why handwriting slows thinking, boosts reflection, and supports deeper cognition – and how WI faculty are using it successfully across disciplines.

Think Like an Expert: Helping Students Organize New Knowledge

Thursday, October 22, 2026 @12:00pm

Zoom link: https://umsystem.zoom.us/j/98029384789?pwd=Sjl5eDFGcEFyaDljb2ZlZmdYclFOZz09

Meeting ID: 980 2938 4789

Passcode: 643036

How students organize knowledge influences how they learn and apply what they know, a point we’ll unpack in this session. Faculty will be invited to understand the differences in the way experts and novices organize knowledge, and then consider how we can help students organize their knowledge in more expert ways that facilitate effective knowledge application.

Rethinking AI and Academic Integrity

Thursday, October 29, 2026 @ 12:30pm

Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyho6tmyaVDZ2pQOnWVn8fGOJ8E1Vd0wd9DfQvmXmyIYIUMw /viewform?usp=header

Generative AI continues to reshape how students approach their coursework, raising important questions about authorship, accountability, and academic integrity. In this session, we’ll explore ways to address students’ AI use in WI classes beyond a rule-breaking framework. Instead, we’ll consider how assignment design, classroom conversations, and a focus on voice can invite students into more transparent, ethical engagement with AI.

Write to Reflect: Handwritten Journals in the WI Classroom

Tuesday, November 10, 2026 @ 8:30am

Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdX49zSwuRyLHq-Ee99vLKKkCa_jQjotAQ-GVVXY_fZ88M4UQ/viewform?usp=header

Handwritten journals oﬀer a powerful way to ensure students are thinking, processing, and engaging with course material. This workshop highlights how WI faculty across disciplines use journals to promote reﬂection, deepen learning, and reduce opportunities for AI misuse.

Engage to Learn: Supporting Student Motivation

Thursday, November 12, 2026 @12:00pm

Zoom link: https://umsystem.zoom.us/j/98029384789?pwd=Sjl5eDFGcEFyaDljb2ZlZmdYclFOZz09

Meeting ID: 980 2938 4789

Passcode: 643036

In this workshop, we’ll reflect on what factors impact learners’ motivation, and then explore ways we can motivate learners in our respective environments to support academic success and retention. Faculty will review practical strategies that encourage students’ agency and commitment to their own learning.

Introduction to Evaluation of Teaching: Peer Formative Review

Thursday, December 3, 2026 @12:00pm

Zoom link: https://umsystem.zoom.us/j/98029384789?pwd=Sjl5eDFGcEFyaDljb2ZlZmdYclFOZz09

Meeting ID: 980 2938 4789

Passcode: 643036

Our university encourages new instructors to engage in formative peer review as their initial experience with peer review and as an ongoing professional development strategy. Unlike summative peer review, which is primarily evaluative, formative peer review aims to identify effective teaching strategies to retain and explore new techniques for improvement. In this session, participants will familiarize themselves with the MU Formative Peer Review Checklist and Processes and have the chance to ask questions about this essential element for promoting effective teaching at Mizzou.

Faculty Development Appointment Groups

by appointment

Our instructional and media design teams are available to support you on a variety of topics. To register for a specific topic, click the link below:

Academic Integrity: Want to promote academic integrity while supporting student learning? Meet with an instructional designer to explore assignment design strategies, AI guidance, authentic assessments, and proactive communication approaches. We’ll help you move beyond detection tools and focus on creating learning experiences that encourage originality, transparency, and trust.
Accessibility: Is your course content inclusive and navigable for all learners? Book a session with an instructional designer to review your materials for digital accessibility. From screen-reader compatibility to closed captioning and alt-text, we’ll help you remove barriers and ensure your course meets universal design standards for every student.
Assessments & Learning Activities: Are your assessments truly measuring what students are meant to learn? Schedule a consultation to align your learning objectives, activities, and assessments for greater clarity and impact. We’ll explore strategies for designing meaningful assignments, incorporating authentic and low-stakes practice opportunities, and creating clear criteria for success. Together, we’ll ensure your course activities actively support student learning—not just evaluate it.
Canvas Organization: Is your Canvas course easy to navigate and aligned with your learning goals? Meet with an instructional designer to streamline your module structure, clarify page layouts, and improve consistency across assignments and assessments. We’ll help you organize content in a way that reduces student confusion, supports accessibility, and enhances the overall learning experience.
Community & Social Presence: Looking to build stronger connections in your online course? Schedule a consultation to explore strategies that foster meaningful interaction, instructor presence, and a sense of belonging. From discussion design to personalized feedback and low-stakes engagement activities, we’ll help you create a learning environment where students feel seen, supported, and connected.
Video Consultation: Ready to take your course videos from “webcam recording” to professional-grade content? Meet with our team to plan your scripts, discuss filming techniques, or refine your post-production workflow. Our goal is to help you create engaging, high-quality video assets that capture student attention and enhance learning outcomes.
Visual Design Consultation: Does your course need a visual facelift to improve engagement and flow? Book a session with our team to focus on layout, branding, and the effective use of imagery. We’ll work together to create a polished, professional aesthetic that simplifies navigation and keeps your students focused on the content that matters.

Additional Resources

Online Teaching: https://teaching.missouri.edu

On-Campus Teaching: https://tlc.missouri.edu

New Employee On-Boarding: https://hr.missouri.edu/new-employees/information-new-employees

Health and Benefits: https://hr.missouri.edu/benefits-and-retirement

Parking: https://parking.missouri.edu

Canvas Site

New Faculty Members have a shared Canvas site, where they will find videos, resources, and information about a variety of important topics, organizations, and offices. To access, go to https://umsystem.instructure.com and login with your MU pawprint and password.