Wednesday, August 28, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Multiple Sessions at the Inn on Boltwood, Dickinson Ballroom
Light Breakfast
8:00 a.m.; Dickinson Patio
Welcome Remarks by Provost and Dean of the Faculty Martha Umphrey
8:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Getting to Know One Another
9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
We will start by getting to know our new colleagues, including what you enjoy most about teaching, what you are looking forward to as a new member of our community, and what you may feel most anxious about as you prepare to assume your new role.
Hearing from Our Students
9:35 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
Teaching students is at the center of the mission of the college. You will hear from four students on what drew them to Amherst, what motivates them to learn, and what they want new faculty members to know.
Break
10:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Hearing from Our Faculty
10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Four faculty members from different departments and disciplines, who have been at the college for different lengths of time, will share their experiences and offer suggestions about how to get off to a good start. Topics include what you should expect during the add/drop period, where to turn for assistance with your teaching, how not to let teaching consume your lives, and more.
Academic Support for Students
11:20 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.
This session will focus on the work of the Writing Center, the Moss Quantitative Center (the “Q Center”), and the Strategic Learning Center. Larissa Hopkins, director of the Strategic Learning Center; Jennifer Innes, director of the Q Center; and Jessica Kem, director of the Writing Center, will provide information and respond to questions.
Lunch
11:50 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; Dickinson Patio
Amherst Students: What Do They Need? How Do We Help Them?
1:00 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.
This session will feature a discussion about the student body and the ways in which the college supports students. Matt McGann, dean of admission and financial aid; Angie Tissi-Gassoway, chief student affairs officer and dean of students; and Darien McFadden, director of the college’s Center for Counseling and Mental Health, will provide information and offer their perspectives.
The Class Deans
2:00 p.m. to 2:40 p.m.
Class deans are our go-to support for students. When you have a concern about a student, the first people to look to for support are our class deans. At this session, they will introduce themselves and discuss their role.
Break
2:40 p.m. to 2:55 p.m.
Accessibility Services and Testing Accommodations
2:55 p.m. to 3:25 p.m.
How does the college respond to students who voluntarily disclose a disability(ies), submit appropriate documentation for verification, and request accommodations? How do faculty members learn about those accommodations? What resources are available to faculty to help in providing digital and physical accommodations? What accommodations are available to faculty who need them? Precious Parham, accessibility services specialist, will lead this discussion.
Title IX and Identity-Based Harassment Training
3:35 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Maureen Holland, interim director of civil rights and Title IX coordinator, will offer Title IX training. This training is mandatory.
Campus Tour
4:35 p.m.
The Office of Admission will offer a campus tour leaving from and returning to the Inn on Boltwood.