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It’s always encouraging to have someone show you the ropes when starting a new job.

For incoming faculty at Queen’s University that helping hand comes in the form of the New Faculty Orientation Day, held Wednesday at Robert Sutherland Hall, where they were introduced to the many resources that are available to them, questions were answered and they were able to network with new colleagues.

The focus of the event, sponsored by the Office of the Provost and the Faculty Recruitment and Support Program in the Faculty Relations Unit, is getting participants the information they need and fostering the connections to help them succeed in this latest path of their careers.

“New faculty orientation is hugely important because a new position is an investment in a future career, for both the new hire and the university,” says Jill Scott, Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning). “We want to extend a warm welcome to our new faculty by providing them with an overview of the resources available to them and where to go for more information when they need it.”

At total of 63 new faculty members have arrived at Queen’s since last year’s event. For many of the participants, this is their first faculty appointment. As a result, they may not have a foundation of experience at other institutions.

Throughout the day there were presentations about the support that is available from Information and Technology Services, Queen’s Library and Archives and Queen’s Communications, to name a few. There also were several panel discussions where the new faculty could gain clarification on any of the questions they may have heading into the fall term.

“It’s really helpful coming from a post-doctoral position where it’s mostly focused on research and publishing. I hadn’t really thought of any of the logistics required for a faculty member so it’s been a good opportunity to learn how the university works and the services that are available, as well as meeting some of the other new faculty,” says Robert Colautti, an assistant professor in the Department of Biology.

Looking ahead, he says the information gained at the orientation will certainly help him as he begins his time at Queen’s.

“It’s a bit daunting, overwhelming, all the things that need to be done but this provides some background knowledge that will save some time later on,” he says “If something comes up I know where to find the information.”