New Faculty Launch
New Faculty Launch hosted by the provost’s Faculty Affairs team is a year-long program designed to help familiarize new faculty with University resources to advance their careers as scholars, teachers, and mentors.
The goal of the program is to accelerate new faculty members’ integration into the University community. The program will also provide new faculty with multiple opportunities to interact with both new and current as well as faculty leaders on campus.
Who can participate in New Faculty Launch?
- Tenured and tenure-track faculty
- Professional-track faculty
- FTE 50% or higher
2025-26 New Faculty Launch Programming
For faculty hired for the 2025–26 academic year, please register for our Fall New Faculty Launch Kickoff taking place Monday, August 18 to Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center.
Year-long Programming
Following the initial August orientation, there will be monthly, in-depth sessions from September 2025 through April 2026 that cover core topics about research, scholarship, and creative endeavors, teaching, mentorship, service, and promotion and tenure.
Throughout the year, we will also host informal social events for new faculty and their families that will introduce you to some of the gems of the university and greater Austin community.
Resources for New Employee Onboarding
As you get to know campus, please stay in communication with your college or school human resources representative for help with onboarding tasks like upgrading your EID and obtaining an ID Card. Additional information about onboarding tasks, can be found at the HR New Employee Orientation website. Please note that not all tasks included in new employee orientation will apply to all faculty, but your local HR representative can share what your next steps will be in the onboarding process.
Event Agendas
Kick-Off Event
New Faculty Launch Kickoff is coming in August!
Monthly Sessions
Throughout the year there will be in-depth monthly sessions on a variety of helpful topics for new faculty aligning with important dates.
Please register to attend monthly sessions.
2025-26 Academic Year Monthly Sessions
Fall 2025
Finding Internal and External Funding Opportunities
Wednesday, September 10, 10-11:30 a.m.
Lena Suk, Associate Director, Investigator Skill-Building, Office of the Vice President of Research, Scholarship, and Creative Endeavors
Faculty Promotion
Wednesday, October 8, 10-11:30 a.m.
Tasha Beretvas, Senior Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs; Jen Moon, Vice Provost for Professional-Track Faculty Affairs
Establishing Effective Mentor Relationships
Wednesday, November 12, 10-11:30 a.m.
Chris McCarthy, Associate Dean, Graduate School; Alison Preston, Professor, Neuroscience and Psychology
Spring 2026
New Faculty Launch Mini-Orientation (for Faculty with January Start Dates)
Tuesday, January 6, 8:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
Tasha Beretvas, Senior Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs; Jen Moon, Vice Provost for Professional-Track Faculty Affairs
Writing, Procrastination and Resistance: How to Identify Your Writing Blocks and Move Through Them
Wednesday, February 11, 10-11:30 a.m.
NCFDD Facilitator TBD
Tailoring Your Research Vision for External Funding
Wednesday, March 11, 10-11:30 a.m.
Lena Suk, Associate Director, Investigator Skill-Building, Office of the Vice President of Research, Scholarship, and Creative Endeavors
Explore Austin and UT
Eateries, art, and entertainment are at your fingertips in the heart of Texas. From campus hotspots and museums, to historic locations and outdoor adventures around Austin, here’s a one-stop-shop to get your started exploring the area.
The University of Texas at Austin
With dozens of museums, libraries, centers, institutes and special venues on campus, there’s always something to check out in between research or while taking a break from grading.
Austin, TX
Austin, Texas is a city of food and music. Step away from campus to tour the Capitol, grab a bite to eat and enjoy indoor and outdoor attractions.
Texas Hill Country
Take a hike, breathe a bit of fresh air, and cheers to a new career in the Texas Hill Country, known for its natural, scenic splendor.