On Sept. 16, more than forty departments and programs united to welcome new faculty and staff to the University of Oregon, showcasing the wide range of resources available to employees. The New Faculty and Staff Community Orientation and Resource Fair, organized by New Employee Orientation Programs in the Office of Human Resources, provided an opportunity for over 150 incoming employees to connect and learn about the benefits and activities the UO offers them.
“We’re so grateful to all our partners who came together to help us show off the university’s community resources,” said Tiffany Lundy, senior associate director of employee development and engagement. “I hope our new faculty and staff all discovered some meaningful ways to connect with the university.”
The event also introduced the UO's values of community flourishing and support for student and employee success by presenting resources that operationalize those values.
“I enjoy seeing the new faculty and staff members and giving an introduction, so they know that we’re here for faculty as much as we are for students, to counsel and connect them to support students,” said Melissa Maldonado, access advisor in the Accessible Education Center.
Vera Keller, professor of history and member of the University Committee on Sexual Orientation, Attraction, Gender Identity and Expression, appreciated the opportunity to invite new UO employees to engage.
“I enjoy meeting other people who identify as LGBTQ+,” she said. “There is a big need for this kind of group. Folks face barriers and challenges in Eugene, so it’s great to form a network and connections.”
This event takes place each fall and spring. UO program representatives who’d like to have a table or present a session are enthusiastically invited. Incoming faculty and staff may also attend the Mission, Shared Responsibilities and Engagement Opportunities session, hosted monthly via Zoom. For more information about new employee programs, email learning@uoregon.edu.
—Top photo: Moana Gianotti and Tatiana Litwin of the Student Recreation Center welcome new employees to the university.
—Anna Duncan, University Communications