Teaching, Research, Resources, and Community
To help new, full-time faculty prepare for a successful first year at USC, we recommend the following key actions. These resources and opportunities are designed to support your teaching, connect you with the university community, and help you start the semester with confidence.
1. Register for New Faculty Orientation
| Date: | Friday, August 28, 2026 |
| Time: | 8:15 a.m.. - 2:00 p.m. |
| Location: | Pastides Alumni Center (in person only) 900 Senate St., Columbia, SC 29201 |
Register Now for New Faculty Orientation!
New Faculty Orientation (NFO) supports your first-year success in teaching and research, helps you foster student success, and connects you with the university and Columbia community through concurrent sessions, leadership presentations, networking opportunities over breakfast and lunch, and a campus and community resource fair.
Please note that this program focuses on academic success and campus resources. For HR onboarding topics such as benefits, payroll, and employment documentation, please contact the appropriate offices directly:
- USC Human Resources: New Employee Guide | Step 1: Before You Arrive | Onboarding Tips and Guides | HR contact list (pdf)
- Benefits Office: New Employee Benefits | USC Benefits Packet (pdf) | benefits@mailbox.sc.edu
These teams can assist you with onboarding processes, benefits enrollment, and related questions.
| 8:15 - 9:00 a.m. | Networking Breakfast Connect with leadership and fellow new faculty in a relaxed, community-building setting.
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| 9:00 - 9:05 a.m. | Opening Remarks Matt Thatcher, Ph.D. | Director, Center for Teaching Excellence |
| 9:05 - 9:20 a.m. | University Welcome Michael Amiridis, Ph.D. | President, University of South Carolina |
| 9:20 - 9:35 a.m. | A New Beginning Mary Anne Fitzpatrick, Ph.D. | Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost |
| 9:35 - 9:50 a.m. | Becoming Part of USC Jennifer Ng, Ph.D. | Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs and Dean of the Faculty |
| 9:50 - 10:10 a.m. | Just-in-Time Resources Matt Thatcher, Ph.D. | Director, Center for Teaching Excellence |
| 10:10 - 10:20 a.m. | Break & Transition |
| 10:20 - 10:50 a.m. | Breakout Session I Participants choose one of the following:
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| 10:50 - 11:00 a.m. | Break & Transition |
| 11:00 - 11:30 a.m. | Breakout Session II Participants choose a second session from the following options:
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| 11:30 - 11:40 a.m. | Break & Transition |
| 11:40 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. | Breakout Session III + Key Takeaways and Next Steps Participants choose a third session from the following options, immediately followed by guided reflection by CTE staff:
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| 12:20 - 2:00 p.m. | Lunch & Resource Fair Enjoy lunch with fellow faculty, browse resource tables, complete your Resource Passport, and enter the raffle for a chance to win prizes! |
2. Complete the Effective Teaching Course by August
You will be automatically enrolled in this short, self-paced Blackboard course. After logging in with your USC credentials, click on “Courses,” search for “Foster Student Learning,” and begin.
Access “Foster Student Learning through Effective Teaching"
Modules 1–4 focus on the core practices that support a strong start in any course format, including:
- Designing a clear, well-organized course using backward design and aligned learning outcomes
- Creating a structured syllabus and Blackboard site
- Communicating expectations through transparent grading practices
- Building an inclusive, supportive learning environment
- Using active learning to promote engagement and deeper understanding
These modules are especially helpful as you prepare your courses for the first day of class, offering guidance on effective teaching practices aligned with USC’s academic policies and expectations.
3. Plan Your Teaching with Pre-Semester Support
In August, the Center for Teaching Excellence will offer a series of short, practical webinars to help you prepare for the first day and first week of classes. Topics include syllabus design, course organization, and student engagement.
Session will be:
- Virtual and easy to attend from anywhere
- Recorded for later review
- Supplemented with brief (under 5-minute) videos for quick reference
Details and registration will be shared soon so you can plan ahead.
4. Get Individual Support as Needed
Our Center for Teaching Excellence instructional designers are available to support you before the semester begins whether you have questions about your syllabus, Blackboard, course design, or teaching strategies.
- Schedule a one-on-one consultation any time
- Explore syllabus templates and examples
5. Continue with New Faculty Academy
Together, New Faculty Orientation and the Effective Teaching course are the first components of the New Faculty Academy, a 9-month program designed to support your continued growth and success at USC.
Details and registration information will be shared following New Faculty Orientation.
We’re excited to welcome you to USC and look forward to meeting you at New Faculty Orientation. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can support you as you prepare for the semester.
How to Prepare
- Register for NFO using the “register” link above.
- Bring your questions.
- Be ready to connect and engage.
Explore the New Faculty Video Library
Get a head start with our curated New Faculty Video Library featuring:
- Teaching Tips
- Student Support Services
- Course Design Strategies
Questions?
Contact the Center for Teaching Excellence at cte@mailbox.sc.edu.