California State University, Northridge’s new faculty are invited to attend the annual New Faculty Orientation next week.

The orientation takes place Wednesday, Aug. 20, and Thursday, Aug. 21, in the Oviatt Library’s Presentation Room. The event will focus on S.H.I.N.E.: Strategies, Highlights, Individualized, Networking and Emotions.

Whitney Scott, director of faculty development and a professor in the Department of Child and Adolescent Development, said the event will model interactive and learning-centered teaching strategies; highlight only the most critical new faculty information; reveal the individual strengths and talents of new faculty; and offer a personalized experience facilitating networking and relationships in an atmosphere filled with positive emotions.

“Our learning-centered New Faculty Orientation provides new faculty with an opportunity to successfully ease into their new career at CSUN,” Scott said. “We address critical topics like achieving tenure but also dive into discussion on how to effectively serve our CSUN students.”

Presentations will be made by the Office of Human Resources, the Division of Information Technology, the Division of Student Affairs and the Oviatt Library. While there will be numerous faculty mentoring opportunities, attendees also will meet CSUN students. Members of the men’s baseball team will visit, and students from the Department of Kinesiology will lead an exercise break. The event will conclude with a reception at President Dianne F. Harrison’s home on Aug. 21.

Attendees also will meet Gregg Knotts, the newly appointed director of new faculty orientation and programs.

Matthew Jackson, faculty in the Department of Theatre, said he’s glad he participated in the orientation last year.

“It was made clear to me that I had a support system,” Jackson said. “I was also introduced to several mentors who have offered to help me along the way.

“I got a lot out of it, and I encourage any new faculty to plan to attend as well,” Jackson said.

New faculty should RSVP by completing this survey.

For more information about the New Faulty Orientation, visit the Office of Faculty Development webpage or contact Whitney Scott at whitney.scott@csun.edu.