Full-time Faculty Orientation

Teaching Excellence Program (TEP) 

The Teaching Excellence Program (TEP) is a year-long professional learning program designed to support new full-time faculty as they transition into teaching in higher education. Through a combination of interactive workshops, hands-on learning, and reflective practice, participants will build their skills in course design, instructional delivery, assessment, inclusion, and more. The program is grounded in evidence-based teaching practices and encourages community building, curiosity, and continuous growth.

Overview

• Required for all new full-time faculty hires
• Must be completed within the first academic year of hire
• Combines mandatory and elective workshops, a
  community of practice, and optional enrichment opportunities
• Facilitated by the Teaching and Learning Innovation Hub

Mandatory Components

🧭 New Faculty Orientation Module (asynchronous)

A self-paced online module introducing college teaching, institutional policies, and student support services. Required for brand-new faculty.

🤝 New FT Faculty Orientation / TEP Kickoff (in-person)

A two-day, in-person orientation to introduce new faculty to the TEP, teaching supports, and key tools for success. Includes time to begin planning your courses with support from Hub staff.

Upon hire, you will receive an email that details the TEP Orientation Events. If you don’t receive this email the week before the orientation is set to begin, contact the Hub Team at teaching@cambriancollege.ca.

🎓 Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW)

A 3-day, in-person workshop where faculty design and deliver lessons, engage in peer feedback, and develop core instructional skills. Highly experiential and reflective.

View the Instructional Skills Workshop Page for more information about the ISW and upcoming dates. The ISW typically runs during the Fall and Winter study breaks, and may run earlier in the spring term.

💬 Monthly TEP Group Meetings

Mandatory monthly meetings where TEP faculty connect with peers, reflect on teaching practice, and explore key themes in pedagogy, student engagement, and curriculum design. These sessions are set up as a community of practice to foster community and support continued learning throughout the program.

Dates will be scheduled by the TEP Coordinator and emailed to all new full-time faculty hires.

🛠️ Required Pedagogical Workshops

Three targeted workshops are required for all TEP participants:

• Assessment Design in the Age of AI
• Accessibility, Accommodations, and EDI
• Course (Re)Design

Each workshop includes a combination of live and asynchronous components.

🍎 Elective Workshops (Choose at least 3)

Faculty select three electives based on their interests and teaching context. Topics include:

Asynchronous Modules:

• Academic Integrity
• Accessibility Foundations with P.O.U.R.: Making Digital Content Inclusive
• Research & Scholarly Publishing
• GenAI Quickstart: Foundations for Faculty
• Navigating Student Accommodations

Once you complete an asynchronous session, please ensure you download the certificate of completion and submit it to the Hub’s Educational Developer.

In-person Workshops:

• Teaching with Technology (Classroom and Educational Technology)
• Academic Integrity
• Pedagogy in Practice
• Generative AI
• And much more!

You can participate in any Hub event as part of your elective requirements for TEP. To view professional development events, please see the Hub’s Events Calendar.

🌟 Optional Opportunities 

TEP participants are encouraged to further their learning through optional Communities of Practice (CoPs) offered by the Hub. Topics may include: 

• Artificial Intelligence in Teaching (AI CoP)

• Teaching Math (Math CoP)

• Care-Oriented Pedagogy (CARE-O CoP)

Participation in CoPs is not required but strongly encouraged as a way to build connections with other faculty and deepen your expertise. View more information on the Communities of Practice Page.

Getting Started with the Faculty Handbook

The Cambrian College Faculty Handbook is a great place to begin as you prepare for your teaching journey. This comprehensive guide provides essential information about teaching at Cambrian and includes a helpful checklist to support your transition. It’s designed to answer common questions and help you start your semester with confidence.