Orientation

Today I met the 18 other new faculty who are beginning their time at Roberts Wesleyan College. What an interesting and varied group of people I am honored to work with. Some are new and experiencing teaching for the first time. Some are experienced, some returning after working elsewhere for a period, some have run for office, lived in other countries, were born in other countries, have families, are single - a wondrous mix of interesting and gifted people.

We spent the day together learning about RWC, the history, the mission and vision, the personnel, the expectations, the ropes, the technology - and who to call when you get lost. We dined at the president's house (an elegant and historic structure), and met division chairs. I have done orientation at a number of other academic institutions, and they all have their own approach. For the larger ones, just learning campus is a challenge. For the serious places, its all business. But this orientation felt like family. Little things that make you feel welcomed were attended to. Maybe I like a little hand holding. Maybe I am not as independent as I would like to think. At any rate, I hope this will be a productive and good year.

More important, I made three important contacts who offered to assist with Jairus House and provided me with names of individuals who will be valuable resources of information as I am setting things up. How exciting is that!