Welcome New Faculty
Welcome to Lincoln University of Missouri (LU)!
Congratulations on your new position at Lincoln University of Missouri! We are excited to have you as part of our community.
This page is carefully designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for success at Lincoln University. The Office of the Provost, in collaboration with the Center for Teaching, Learning and Research, provides an engaging onboarding experience. For early-career faculty, we also offer a mentoring program designed to foster your growth, promote faculty retention and enhance job satisfaction.
Onboarding at LU is much more than the two-hour orientation offered during the Faculty/Staff Institute at the start of the academic year. It is a comprehensive and ongoing process that lasts approximately 8 months. This approach not only focuses on integrating you into our campus culture but also facilitates a supportive workplace environment through mentoring.
We are dedicated to ensuring that you feel welcomed and prepared as you embark on this new journey with us at LU. The following information is designed to help you get started on a successful career path.
New Faculty Orientation
We're excited to invite you to the New Faculty Orientation, part of our Annual Fall Faculty/Staff Institute! This event is organized in collaboration with the Office of the Provost, LU Human Resources and (volunteer) Faculty Senate members.
| Monday, August 4 |
Human Resources (HR) Benefits Orientation Session (Required)
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| Monday, August 11 and Tuesday, August 12 |
Faculty/Staff Institute (Required)
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New Faculty Orientation - Tuesday, August 12 in Memorial Hall:
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Time |
*Presentation/Details |
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10:00 – 10:10 AM |
Welcome, Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs |
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10:10 – 10:20 AM |
Presidential Greetings |
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10:20 – 10:30 PM |
Faculty Senate Greetings |
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10:30 – 11:00 AM |
Navigating Promotion and Tenure |
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11:00 - 11:30 AM |
High Impact Practices |
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11:30 – 11:45 AM |
How To Make The Most of Your First Year & Beyond: Faculty Advice & Tips |
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11:45 AM – 12:00 PM |
Conclusion: Meet your new faculty cohort group. Brief Overview of Tomorrow’s Onboarding Workshop and Materials Needed |
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*A Q&A will be held after each presentation, if time permits. |
Fall Faculty/Staff Institute faculty-focused events:
| Event | Date/Time | Location | |
| 2025 Fall Institute Kickoff and Lunch | Monday, August 11, 2025, 8:30 AM - 1 PM | The LINC | Mandatory |
| Stronger Faculty, Stronger Future: Partnering with Deans and Chairs | Monday, August 11, 2024, 4-4:50 PM | Pawley Theater | Recommended to attend one of the two sessions |
| LU Online Intro to Canvas | Monday, August 11, 2025, 1-1:50 PM | Bennet Hall Computer Lab | Optional Breakout Session |
| LU Online - Course Development | Monday, August 11, 2025, 2-2:50 PM | Bennet Hall Computer Lab | Optional Breakout Session |
| LU Online - Course Development | Monday, August 11, 2025, 3-3:50 PM | Bennet Hall Computer Lab | Optional Breakout Session |
| Technology in the Classroom - LU IT Department | Monday, August 11, 2025, 3-3:50 PM | MLK 211 | Optional Breakout Session |
| Managing Difficult Classroom Behaviors - Dr. Rice | Monday, August 11, 2025, 3-3:50 PM | MLK 210 | Optional Breakout Session |
| Stronger Faculty, Stronger Future: Partnering with Deans and Chairs | Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 8:15-9:05 AM | Pawley Theater | Recommended to attend one of the two sessions |
| EAB Navigate Faculty Session | Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 9:15-10:05 AM | Stamper 120, Computer Lab | Recommended for Faculty Advisors and first-year course instructors |
| Meet the Provost | Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 1:30-2 PM | Pawley Theater | Mandatory |
| Department Meetings | Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 2-5 PM | Designated areas | Mandatory |
New Faculty Onboarding Workshop
The Center for Teaching, Learning and Research, under the auspices of the Office of the Provost, offers an Onboarding Workshop for new faculty. Held the day after the Faculty/Staff Institute and New Faculty Orientation, the workshop equips new faculty with essential skills for their first week of classes and guidance for their first year.
Participants will engage in interactive sessions, panel discussions and small-group activities focused on course design, classroom technology, grading procedures and campus culture.
Click here to register for the New Faculty Onboarding Workshop.
Onboarding Workshop goals include:
- Enhancing participants' knowledge and confidence as they begin their first week of classes or work.
- Increasing awareness of campus resources and student life.
- Promoting interdisciplinary networking among faculty.
- Understanding the culture of LU as a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), the expectations of faculty at an open admission institution and the importance of engaging with the campus community.
The workshop takes place on August 13, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Stamper Hall
| 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM | Breakfast and Conversation with Early Career Faculty (employed for two years at LU) |
| 9:30 AM - 9:45 AM | Welcome from the Director, Center for Teaching, Learning & Research and/or Provost Faculty Fellow(s) |
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Activity Time |
Workshop Description |
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9:45 AM – 10:00 AM, Campus Community |
Early Career Faculty Experiences: Two Truths & A Lie About Lincoln University! To encourage connections and facilitate introductions, early-career faculty will host a "two truths and a lie" game to share interesting tidbits about their first-year experience at Lincoln University. BREAKOUT SESSIONS 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM LinkedIn Learning 101 or Curriculum Alignment and Are You Ready? Syllabus Assistance Workshop |
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Professional Development
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LinkedIn Learning 101 LinkedIn Learning is an online platform providing thousands of courses on business, technology, creative skills and personal development. Lincoln University faculty and staff can access it for free by creating an account with their LUID and password. This introductory hands-on session will help you set up your LU LinkedIn Learning account and show you how to access content and tools to enhance your teaching and research. More advanced training, LinkedIn Learning 201, will be offered later in the year as part of the Onboarding and Mentoring program. |
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Curriculum Alignment |
This workshop on curriculum alignment is designed for new faculty and will highlight the significance of aligning course objectives with discipline-specific learning goals and institutional outcomes. Participants will learn how to create clear, measurable learner outcomes. The workshop will also introduce the backward design model, which focuses on starting with the desired end goals and then working backward to develop assessments, instructional strategies and objectives that support those goals. A follow-up mentoring plan will be discussed to support new faculty in confidently implementing what they've learned. |
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Are You Ready? Syllabus Assistance Workshop |
This "make and take" workshop will showcase examples of faculty syllabi from various disciplines. Participants will receive an introductory lesson on how to write objectives and align course content with assessments. We will explore effective layouts and essential formats, ensuring you understand the University's key syllabus requirements, including attendance and grading policies. This workshop is designed to equip you with the vital information and tips needed to create a syllabus that is not only ready for distribution the first week of classes but also sets the tone for an amazing instructional semester. An advanced syllabus writing workshop will be offered later in the year as part of the Onboarding and Mentoring program. |
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11:00 AM – 11:15 AM |
Break |
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11:15 AM – 11:45 AM, The Scholarship of Teaching, Learning and Research |
Faculty Author Spotlight: Professor Elijah Burrell, Author of “Skies of Blur” This special session will focus on the recent work of a faculty author. It will feature excerpts from their latest article or book, providing insight into their research. The author will also discuss how they balance their teaching and service responsibilities with their research pursuits at Lincoln University. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about the impactful scholarship being produced within our faculty. |
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11:45 AM – 1:15 PM, Student Life and Culture |
Meet, Eat, and Connect With LU Students! Lunch Break, Scruggs Student Center Cafeteria Join student government representatives, members of the LU Royal Court, Student Athletes, Honors Program Students, campus representatives from various fraternities and sororities and representatives from other student organizations for a hearty lunch. After lunch, participants will take a brief but fun walking tour of the campus, including a quick visit to one of the student residence halls. |
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1:15 PM – 2:15 PM, Campus Culture and Community
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Exploring HBCU Culture and Community in the Capitol City When new faculty members choose to work at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) with an open admissions policy, many are uncertain about what to expect. Lincoln University of Missouri, located in the state capital, has a distinct atmosphere that sets it apart from other local universities, making it a unique and enjoyable experience for both students and professors. This insightful panel discussion will feature esteemed emeritus and senior faculty, a proud LU alumna and a community representative. Together, we'll delve into the dynamic culture of Lincoln University and the exciting experience of living and working in the Capitol City. Join us for this thoughtful exchange and discover the incredible journey that awaits you at LU! |
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2:30 PM – 3:15 PM, Campus Technology |
Reducing First Day Jitters & Frustration: Effective Use of Classroom Technology What makes faculty more nervous than teaching students? Often, it's their unfamiliarity with campus technology and the classroom computer software! In this practical, hands-on workshop, new faculty will be introduced to the classroom equipment by the support staff from the "LU Help Desk" in the Office of Instructional Technology (O.I.T) before classes begin! The workshop will start with a group demonstration of the classroom equipment and computer software. Following that, new faculty will have the opportunity to visit their assigned classrooms to practice using the technology, with assistance from O.I.T. staff or fellow faculty members. Additional technology training will be offered later in the year as part of the Onboarding and Mentoring program. |
Click here to register for the New Faculty Onboarding Workshop.
The Provost's Small Group Faculty Onboarding Service and Mentorship Program
The Provost's Small Group Faculty Onboarding Service and Mentorship Program is an innovative university-wide initiative aimed at fostering collaboration among faculty from diverse departments, schools, and colleges by providing new and early career faculty with valuable multidisciplinary perspectives and networking opportunities.
Unlike traditional departmental mentoring, which tends to focus on discipline-specific advice—such as navigating journal publications, grant writing, and advising students—the senior faculty involved in the Provost's Small Group Onboarding and Mentoring initiative focuses on providing broader, social and service-oriented support.
Participants can expect to engage in supportive collegial interactions and confidential discussions, with at least one monthly activity or informative session designed to help new and early career faculty ease into the university culture and navigate their faculty roles effectively.
The Provost's Small Group Faculty Onboarding Service and Mentorship Program for new and early career faculty aims to:
- Foster a sense of belonging by providing a small group mentoring experience to help new and early career faculty acclimate to the university's culture, policies, and resources.
- Encourage networking and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Share effective teaching strategies, including curriculum design, classroom technology, and techniques for high-impact student engagement.
- Offer guidance on establishing a research agenda and navigating the publication process.
- Provide a supportive environment for constructive feedback on teaching practices, research projects, and community involvement.
- Encourage mentoring relationships that create an inclusive environment and help early-career faculty build leadership capabilities for future roles at Lincoln University of Missouri.
The Provost's small group is composed of five to eight new and early-career faculty from various academic departments. They will be joined by two or three senior faculty mentors who bring a wealth of expertise and experience. A recently retired faculty member of not more than three years may also join the group to contribute further insight. Participants are encouraged to actively engage with any of their senior faculty mentors and the designated faculty retiree when questions arise or when assistance is needed.
The Provost's Small Group Faculty Onboarding Service and Mentorship Program is part of a comprehensive set of initiatives that includes a Faculty Orientation during the Faculty/Staff Institute, a Fall New Faculty Onboarding Workshop, and monthly mentorship activities for new and early-career faculty.
Enrollment in the Canvas Course Onboarding and Mentorship Program is required for all new faculty and encouraged for early-career faculty. This Canvas Course will facilitate ongoing communication between mentors and mentees throughout the first year onboarding process. Additionally, it will provide information on campus events and professional development workshops offered by the Center for Teaching, Learning and Research.
Small Group Onboarding and Mentoring Program Schedule
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Faculty/Staff Institute: New Faculty Orientation
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August & January |
| Program Kickoff: New Faculty Onboarding Workshop and Luncheon | August |
| Canvas Course Onboarding and Mentoring Program Enrollment | September |
| Canvas Course Small Group Onboarding and Mentoring Professional Development Activities | September - March |
| Monthly Small Group Lunch & Learn Meetings | October - March |
| Program Conclusion: Provost's Faculty Awards and Recognition Luncheon | April |
| Program Assessment | September (baseline), December (mid-point) and May (final evaluation) |
New Faculty are defined as first-time faculty hired for full-time positions during the academic year. Early Career Faculty refers to individuals who are starting or are in their second year of full-time employment at Lincoln University. Please note that this onboarding and mentorship program currently does not include adjunct or part-time faculty.
However, both New and Early Career Faculty, as well as Adjunct and Part-time Faculty, are welcome to attend a variety of professional development programs available to all faculty members.
To explore upcoming campus activities and professional development workshops aimed at enhancing faculty job satisfaction and career success, please check the Provost's calendar of events in your Canvas Onboarding and Mentorship course.
Participants are asked to complete baseline, mid-point and final evaluations for program assessment and improvement.