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Center for Teaching Excellence

  • NFA Graduation

New Faculty Academy

New Faculty Orientation was just the beginning. Continue building connections, developing your teaching and research, and learning from colleagues across USC through the New Faculty Academy (NFA). NFA is a 9-month, cohort-based professional development experience designed specifically for first-year, full-time faculty at USC Columbia.

Register for New Faculty Academy

Your Next Step: Complete the Effective Teaching Course by October 9

After registering for NFA, complete Foster Student Learning through Effective Teaching, a self-paced course available in Blackboard, if you have not already done so.

The course takes less than five hours to complete and provides practical strategies for course planning, assessment, student engagement, generative AI, and other aspects of effective teaching.

Complete the course by Friday, October 9, 2026.

Upcoming NFA Session: First-Semester Success

Friday, November 6 | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Registration begins at 8:45 a.m.
University Conference Center | Close-Hipp Building
In person only

This session is designed to help you finish your first semester strong and prepare for what comes next.

You'll:

  • Get just-in-time guidance for successfully completing your first semester and preparing for spring.
  • Discover University Libraries resources that can support your teaching and research.
  • Connect with fellow new faculty over a networking lunch.
  • Hear a welcome from Angela Baum, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs and Dean of the Faculty.

Register for New Faculty Academy

Participant Requirements

New Faculty Academy, hosted by the Office of the Provost and Center for Teaching Excellence, supports first-year faculty through professional development, mentoring, and opportunities to build relationships with colleagues from across USC.

New Faculty Orientation serves as the first component of the New Faculty Academy. If you were unable to attend NFO, you can still join the Academy and complete the program.

To successfully complete the New Faculty Academy, participants will:

  • Complete the self-paced Foster Student Learning through Effective Teaching course in Blackboard by October 9, 2026.
  • Participate in the three scheduled NFA professional development sessions: 
    • November 6: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
    • February 5: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
    • April 9: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

As an NFA participant, you'll:

  • Build relationships with new and experienced faculty from across USC.
  • Explore timely topics related to teaching, research, work-life balance, and faculty success.
  • Receive ongoing resources and support throughout your first year.

Recognition and Benefits

Faculty who successfully complete NFA receive:

  • Certificate of completion
  • Letter of commendation
  • Commemorative gift
  • Eligiblity for $1,000 in professional development funding

November 6 Session Agenda

Available soon.

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.

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