Professors in front poster

Faculty Orientation

Welcome to the Academic Division orientation for new faculty.

Your SMU Experience Starts Here

Download the module completion checklist

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Have questions or comments about the Faculty Orientation program as a whole or any of the individual modules? Please contact Amy Anderson.

Orientation Intro

Introduction and Divisional Organization

Start Here!  This section features key modules that will help you understand the culture, mission, vision, values, and structure of the organization.

Begin Section 1
Faculty Employment

Faculty Employment

Learn about faculty employment classifications, workload, faculty contracts, faculty technology core competencies, and rank and promotion.  Student and faculty injuries, report travel and reimbursements, and sick leave policies are covered in this section.

Begin Section 2
Curriculum and Teaching

Curriculum and Teaching

These modules address the philosophy of teaching and learning, Canvas (SMU's Learning Management System), course syllabus format, the curriculum mapping initiative (CMI), how to order books, IPE courses, and student grievances.

Begin Section 3
Divisional Support Services

Divisional Support Services

Familiarize yourself with support services available to SMU faculty, including scholarship resources, Academic and Instructional Innovation, Media Services, the Health Science Simulation Center (HSSC), and the Library.  Also featured is a module on student support resources, troubleshooting student issues, and ADA federal regulations.

Begin Section 4
Divisional Events

Divisional Events

Find out about important annual University events, including the Spring Scholarship Symposium.

Begin Section 5
Systems

Systems

An overview of the many technology platforms used at SMU for email, employee expense reimbursement, IT and Facilities support services, faculty evaluations, class attendance and grade reporting, web conferencing, etc.

Begin Section 6