Starting a faculty career at a new institution often means navigating unfamiliar systems while simultaneously launching new research, teaching, and service commitments. At the University of Washington, New Faculty Onboarding is designed to make that transition easier by helping faculty connect with the people, resources, and opportunities that will support their success from day one.
Feedback from last year’s participants suggests that the program is achieving precisely that goal.
Survey respondents consistently reported feeling better informed about UW resources following onboarding, but what stood out most was the value faculty placed on building relationships with colleagues across the university. Networking sessions, mentoring conversations, and opportunities to learn from experienced faculty were among the highest-rated elements of the experience.
One of the most valuable parts of onboarding was meeting colleagues from across the university. The structured networking opportunities made a large institution feel much more approachable and helped me begin building relationships beyond my department.
Participants particularly appreciated opportunities to engage with faculty beyond their departments and discover the breadth of expertise across UW’s campuses and disciplines. Survey results showed that the networking breakfast, welcome session, mentoring plenary panel, and speed networking activities were among the program’s most valued experiences.
That emphasis on connection is intentional. Research universities can be large and complex organizations, and meaningful professional relationships often become the foundation for future collaborations, mentorship opportunities, and career development.
Hearing from faculty at different stages of their careers and from different academic areas helped me better understand the UW community and identify potential collaborators and mentors.
As new faculty prepare to join the University of Washington this fall, New Faculty Onboarding offers an opportunity to do more than learn about university processes. It provides a chance to begin building the community that will support and enrich their work for years to come.
Join us September 10–11, 2026, and discover why so many faculty describe the people they meet during onboarding as one of the most valuable resources they find at the UW.
Register for New Faculty Onboarding
Registration for New Faculty Onboarding, September 10–11, 2026, is now open. We encourage all new faculty to participate in this university-wide introduction to UW’s people, resources, and opportunities.
Register today for New Faculty Onboarding and explore the schedules for both days.