Starting a faculty position means preparing to teach, launching a research program, learning a new institution, and figuring out where to turn when questions arise. Often all at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 2026 Engineering New Faculty Orientation Workshop gave the College of Engineering\u2019s newest faculty members a place to begin. Held over four days in early August, the workshop brought new faculty together with experienced colleagues, college leaders and campus partners to build practical skills, make connections and learn how NC State can support their success. Hosted by the Engineering Office of Faculty Development and Success, the workshop centered on a simple message: New faculty do not have to navigate the experience alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first two days helped faculty prepare for one of their most immediate responsibilities: stepping into the classroom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Teaching Professors Matt Cooper of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Sarah Heckman of Computer Science guided participants through designing an effective course, from defining learning outcomes and designing assessments to planning the first week and responding to challenging student situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But the conversation went beyond syllabus preparation. Anna Howard, teaching professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, invited faculty to experience active learning from the student perspective. Heckman explored how artificial intelligence is changing engineering education, and representatives from DELTA helped participants get started with NC State\u2019s learning technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faculty were also introduced to \u201cTeaching and Learning Engineering the Wolfpack Way,\u201d the\u00a0College\u2019s developing teaching philosophy and curricular framework. The session asked participants to think beyond what students should know at graduation and consider who they should become and how relationships, experiences, independence and purpose contribute to that growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, teaching is only one part of faculty life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The third day shifted to research, university processes and the network of people available to help. With representatives from the Campus Writing and Speaking Program, the Proposal Development Unit, and NC State University Libraries, they shared practical guidance for developing proposals and communicating research ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chris Frey, associate dean for research and infrastructure, and Joel Ducoste, associate dean for faculty development and success, introduced the college\u2019s research enterprise and infrastructure. Faculty also met partners who support college human resources, budget management, communications, counseling services, mentoring, faculty awards, reappointment, promotion and tenure, and other aspects of faculty success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Professional headshots, informal conversations and a \u201cFind Somebody Who\u201d activity created additional opportunities for participants to begin putting names and faces to their new community. Participants also had many formal and informal networking opportunities to begin putting names and faces to their community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The final day created space for conversations that are not always included on an orientation agenda. Angie Daniel, assistant dean for the Office of Wellness and Engagement, moderated a discussion with representatives from Prevention Services and college leadership about mental health and well-being. Domonique Carter then introduced accessibility guidelines and highlighted campus resources available to help faculty create more accessible learning environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Melissa Pasquinelli, interim dean of the College of Natural Resources, delivered a keynote on three practices that can contribute to faculty success: building professional networks, developing strong mentoring relationships and learning to communicate the impact of their work. The workshop concluded with lunch and a candid conversation with college and university leaders. Rather than offering a single formula for success, the panelists reflected on the relationships, decisions, challenges and opportunities that have shaped their careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Ducoste, working with each new group of faculty also reminds him of his own beginning at NC State:<\/p>\n\n\n
\n \u201cIt was exciting to see such new and engaging faculty who were eager to learn the latest pedagogical approaches for student engagement and learning, as well as tips to help them get a strong start as faculty at NC State. Being around them always reminds me of how I was when I started at NC State and continues to excite me to help them achieve their goals.\u201d
-Joel Ducoste, Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Success<\/em>\n <\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nThe Beginning, Not the End<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
By the end of the four days, participants left with more than information. They had new colleagues to call, campus partners who could help, and a clearer sense of the community they were joining. That community will continue through the college\u2019s New Faculty Network and other programs offered by the Engineering Office of Faculty Development and Success. The next New Faculty Network event, a luncheon focused on artificial intelligence, will be held Friday, October 30 at Lonnie Poole Network<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thank you to the new faculty, facilitators, panelists, campus partners, and college leaders who made this year\u2019s workshop possible, and welcome to the Wolfpack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n