Welcome to the Iowa State University Faculty Community
As a land-grant institution, Iowa State University is committed to creating, sharing, and applying knowledge to make our students, Iowa, and the world better. The Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost (also known as the Provost’s Office) champions this mission and supports faculty as they begin their academic journey at Iowa State.
The Division of Academic Affairs Strategic Plan outlines how faculty contribute to the university’s mission, vision, goals, and aspirations. Across the division, we offer programs and resources designed to meet various backgrounds, needs, and ambitions of our faculty—helping faculty establish a solid foundation for your faculty appointment or career at Iowa State.
A number of campus partners--including the Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost, the Graduate College, and the Office of the Vice President for Research, the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT), the University Library, and Extension and Outreach—collaborate to provide a comprehensive onboarding experience for all newly appointed faculty, including all ranks (assistant, associate professor) and all appointment types (term, tenure-eligible, tenured). Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition to both work at Iowa State and life in central Iowa.
New Faculty Orientation Course
All new faculty are strongly encouraged to complete the New Faculty Orientation course prior to their official start date. The course is designed to:
- cultivate a shared understanding of Iowa State’s mission, culture, and land-grant philosophy,
- introduce key policies, programs, and resources that support faculty success, and
- provide guidance on fulfilling position responsibilities effectively.
Faculty retain access to the course after their appointments begin.
Important orientation dates:
- Tuesday, July 21, 2026: Virtual Welcome Session, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., via zoom
- Tuesday, August 18, 2026: Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) Teaching Symposium, 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Student Innovation Center.
- Wednesday, August 19, 2026: Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost’s New Faculty Orientation, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Reiman Gardens, Garden Room
- Wednesday, August 19, 2026: Graduate College Orientation, 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., Reiman Gardens, Speer Room
- Friday, August 28, 2026, 9:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., Pearson Hall
Virtual welcome session
To help faculty begin their onboarding early, Tera Jordan, assistant provost for faculty success, and Katharine Hensley, faculty success coordinator, will host a live virtual welcome session Tuesday, July 21, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.(CST). A meeting link will be emailed to all new faculty; no registration is required.
This session provides an opportunity to receive early information about Iowa State and ask questions in real time.
CELT Teaching Symposium
The CELT Teaching Symposium introduces faculty to effective teaching practices and the student support resources available at Iowa State. All new faculty and staff with teaching responsibilities are encouraged to attend.
Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Student Innovation Center
Symposium Goals:
- Identify practices and resources that support effective teaching and learning
- Explore student support services
- Highlight CELT’s development opportunities and instructional support
Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost's New Faculty Orientation
The in-person New Faculty Orientation will be held:
Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Reiman Gardens, Garden Room
All new faculty who have joined Iowa State since February 1, 2026 are invited.
Orientation Goals:
- Introduce essential policies, programs, resources,
- Connect faculty with the Faculty Success Team, deans, College Peer Mentors, and faculty panelists, and
- Foster networking and community
Attendance is strongly recommended. Reserve a seat using the orientation registration form.
If faculty are unable to attend, the next orientation will be held: Wednesday, January 13, 2027, noon to 4:45 p.m., Memorial Union.
Graduate Faculty Orientation
The Graduate College will host orientation sessions. Attendance is required for new tenured/tenure-track faculty and recommended for new associate graduate faculty.
Sessions:
- Wednesday, August 19, 2026, 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., Reiman Gardens, Speer Room
- Friday, August 28, 2026, 9:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., Pearson Hall
Experienced graduate faculty who have previously attended are not required to participate but are welcome to attend for a refresher.
To register and for more information, contact:
Natalie Robinson, Assistant Director of Student and Faculty Services
Email: nbr@iastate.edu
Phone: (515) 294-5020
Research Faculty Orientation
The Office of the Vice President for Research invites faculty—whether new this year or in recent years—to a Research Faculty Orientation and information exchange.
This session includes a made-to-order omelet breakfast beginning at 8:00 a.m. in the Memorial Union, Great Hall, followed by an information session and Question & Answer with the VPR team until 11:00 a.m. The program focuses on the full life cycle of a research project from ideation to award management.
Registration is required. Faculty are asked to upload a single slide introducing their research interests using the provided template.
Date is forthcoming.
Optional: Destination Iowa State
New faculty are welcome to participate in Destination Iowa State activities to immerse themselves in campus culture on Thursday, August 20, 2026, and Friday, August 21, 2026.
Opportunities include:
- Center of ExCytement
- Iowa State Welcome
- Breakfast on Central Campus
These events offer a chance to meet campus leaders, engage with students, and learn Iowa State traditions.
