The Office of Faculty Development (OFD) welcomed 90 new faculty members and librarians to campus on Aug. 25 at its annual New Faculty Orientation (NFO). 

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New Faculty Orientation is the first event in a series of programming for new and early career faculty offered by OFD throughout the 2026–27 academic year that aims to set new faculty up for success by connecting them with mentors, providing time and space for scholarly writing and facilitating opportunities to connect socially. 

“You are an incredibly talented and impressive group,” Provost Fouad Abd-El-Khalick said in his welcoming remarks at the event, which was held at the Marriott Center in the Campus Center. “We have very high expectations for you, and I am certain that you will exceed them as you build your career and your life as part of this remarkable institution.”

In addition to the provost and other senior campus leaders, the university’s newest faculty members and librarians heard from representatives from offices across campus about the ongoing support available to them as they transition into their new roles.

“We are so pleased to welcome 90 new and visiting faculty and librarians to UMass Amherst from across the globe and many different disciplines,” says Angela de Oliveira, associate provost for faculty development. “At New Faculty Orientation, we introduce new faculty and librarians to their community and support, and help them build connections with each other and to UMass Amherst. OFD aims to enable our newest faculty and librarians to successfully launch their teaching, scholarship, and research careers at UMass Amherst and advance UMass’ commitment to the common good.”

“We are excited to get to know this impressive and diverse cohort of new faculty and librarians and to support their journey here at UMass Amherst,” adds Leyla Keough-Hameed, director of faculty development.

More information about programs and services offered to faculty, as well as a partial list of the new faculty members and librarians joining the university this semester, can be found on the OFD website.