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Your First 90 Days

Excelsior University Faculty Onboarding Guide

Welcome to Excelsior University! Your first 90 days are a time to build familiarity with university systems, resources, policies, and teaching expectations. Follow this roadmap as you transition into your faculty role.

DAYS 1–30

Foundation and Orientation

Complete Required Training

  • Complete FAC100, the faculty onboarding course.
  • Complete HR compliance trainings.
  • Participate actively in required activities and discussions.
  • Save key resources and job aids for future reference.

Review Essential Faculty Documents

  • Faculty Connects
  • Faculty Handbook
  • Faculty Playbook
  • Faculty Checklists
  • Academic Integrity policies
  • Student Conduct policies
  • FERPA and student privacy requirements

Explore Core University Systems

Learn where to find instructor tools and how each system supports your faculty responsibilities.

Canvas

Explore course homepages, grading tools, SpeedGrader, announcements, discussions, inbox messaging, accessibility features, and student engagement tools. Consider the student experience as you navigate.

Salesforce

Review faculty contracts, outreach documentation through Flags and Midpoint Feedback, referral processes, reporting, and communication features.

Brainier

Explore professional development opportunities, required compliance trainings, and faculty development resources.

UKG

Review time reporting, if applicable; payroll; direct deposit; benefits; and personal profile management.

Set Up Your Faculty Profile

In Watermark Faculty Success, add your academic credentials, professional experience, CV, certifications, publications, and scholarly activities. Keep your profile accurate and current.

Your Foundation

Understand university expectations, policies, faculty responsibilities, and available support resources. Ensure your professional profile reflects your qualifications and achievements.

DAYS 31-60

Student Support and Teaching Excellence

Get to Know Student Support Resources

Learn what each service offers and how to connect students with the right assistance.

Library Services

Explore research databases, librarian assistance, citation resources, information literacy tools, and subject-specific resources. Learn when to refer students for research help.

Salesforce

Review faculty contracts, outreach documentation through Flags and Midpoint Feedback, referral processes, reporting, and communication features.

Online Writing Lab (OWL)

Review writing resources, citation tools, academic writing assistance, and how students access tutoring. Identify opportunities to refer students for additional writing support.

Academic Support Services

Review tutoring, academic coaching, disability accommodations, student success resources, and retention and intervention services. Learn referral processes and escalation procedures.

Strengthen Online Teaching Skills

  • Practice effective facilitation and discussion engagement.
  • Provide timely feedback and build instructor presence.
  • Develop student outreach and retention practices.
  • Apply accessibility best practices.

Recommended Goal: Establish a Weekly Workflow

1

Course announcements

2

Discussion participation

3

Assignment grading

4

Student outreach

5

Documentation of student concerns

DAYS 61-90

Integration and Professional Growth

Refine Your Faculty Practices

Review course facilitation expectations so you can confidently:

  • Facilitate discussions and deliver meaningful feedback.
  • Grade consistently using rubrics.
  • Address student concerns professionally.
  • Document outreach appropriately and escalate issues when needed.

Build Your Professional Network

Connect With

  • Program Directors
  • Faculty peers
  • Faculty Development Team
  • Academic Advisors
  • Student Support colleagues
  • Library and support staff

Get Involved

  • Attend faculty meetings.
  • Participate in professional development.
  • Join faculty learning communities.
  • Share teaching strategies and best practices.

90-DAY CHECK-IN

Review Your Progress with Your Supervisor

Schedule a conversation to reflect on accomplishments and plan continued development.

Accomplishments

  • FAC100 completion
  • Systems proficiency
  • Course facilitation experience
  • Student support knowledge
  • Professional development completed

Development Goals

  • Areas for continued growth
  • Additional training needs
  • Future development opportunities
  • Long-term faculty success planning

Building a Strong Start

Focus on three priorities throughout your first 90 days: learn the systems, know the resources, and build relationships. Use the success checklist to review your progress.

Learn the System

Canvas, Salesforce, Brainier, UKG, and Watermark

Know the Resources

Library, OWL, Academic Support, and Faculty Development

Build Relationships

Students, peers, academic leaders, and support teams

First 90 Days Success Checklist

  • Complete FAC100
  • Review Faculty Handbook
  • Review Faculty Playbook
  • Review Faculty Checklists
  • Learn Canvas navigation and grading tools
  • Learn Salesforce processes and student documentation
  • Explore Brainier development resources
  • Set up and review UKG profile
  • Upload credentials and profile information into Watermark
  • Explore Library resources and services
  • Review OWL resources and referral process
  • Learn Academic Support services and referral procedures
  • Establish a weekly teaching and grading workflow
  • Connect with faculty and support partners
  • Attend professional development opportunities
  • Complete the 90-day progress review