Welcome to the Yale Faculty Handbook, a comprehensive resource designed to support new professors as they navigate their roles and responsibilities within the Yale community. As a new professor at Yale, you are joining a long tradition of academic excellence and innovation. This handbook is intended to provide you with the information and resources you need to succeed in your new position, from understanding the university's policies and procedures to accessing the many resources available to support your teaching, research, and service.
Introduction to Yale University
Yale University is a private Ivy League research university located in New Haven, Connecticut. Founded in 1701, Yale is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. With a strong commitment to academic excellence, Yale is dedicated to fostering a community of scholars who are passionate about learning, discovery, and innovation. As a new professor, you will have the opportunity to contribute to this rich academic tradition, working with talented students, colleagues, and staff to advance knowledge and understanding in your field.
Academic Departments and Programs
Yale University is composed of fourteen schools and colleges, including the Yale College, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and ten professional schools. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as numerous research centers and institutes. As a new professor, you will be affiliated with a specific academic department or program, which will provide you with a supportive community of colleagues and access to resources and facilities to support your teaching and research.
Some of the key academic departments and programs at Yale include:
- Yale College: The undergraduate liberal arts college at Yale, offering a wide range of majors and courses in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences: The graduate school at Yale, offering advanced degrees in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
- Yale School of Drama: A professional school offering advanced degrees in drama, theater, and related fields.
- Yale Law School: A professional school offering the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, as well as advanced degrees in law.
Teaching and Research Resources
As a new professor at Yale, you will have access to a wide range of resources to support your teaching and research, including:
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Center for Teaching and Learning | A university-wide center offering support for teaching, including workshops, consultations, and resources for course design and pedagogy. |
| Yale University Library | A comprehensive research library with extensive collections and resources, including online databases, journals, and books. |
| Yale University Information Technology Services | A university-wide department offering support for technology, including computer hardware and software, networking, and online resources. |
In addition to these university-wide resources, many academic departments and programs at Yale offer their own specialized resources and support for teaching and research. As a new professor, you should familiarize yourself with the resources available within your department or program, as well as the university-wide resources that are available to support your work.
Service and Leadership Opportunities
As a new professor at Yale, you will have numerous opportunities to engage in service and leadership within the university community, including:
Service on university committees, such as the Faculty Senate or the University Council.
Leadership roles within your academic department or program, such as serving as department chair or program director.
Participation in university-wide initiatives, such as the Yale College Curriculum Committee or the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board.
These service and leadership opportunities will provide you with the chance to contribute to the governance and decision-making processes of the university, as well as to shape the academic and research agenda of your department or program.
Support for New Professors
Yale University is committed to supporting the success and well-being of all faculty members, including new professors. The university offers a range of resources and programs to support new faculty, including:
A comprehensive orientation program for new faculty, which includes workshops, seminars, and social events.
Mentoring programs, which pair new faculty with experienced colleagues who can offer guidance and support.
Professional development opportunities, such as workshops and seminars on teaching, research, and leadership.
These resources and programs are designed to help new professors navigate the challenges of their new role, build relationships with colleagues and students, and achieve their full potential as scholars and teachers.
Faculty Development and Evaluation
Yale University is committed to supporting the ongoing development and evaluation of all faculty members, including new professors. The university offers a range of resources and programs to support faculty development, including:
Annual performance evaluations, which provide feedback and guidance on teaching, research, and service.
Professional development opportunities, such as workshops and seminars on teaching, research, and leadership.
Support for research and scholarship, including funding for research projects and travel to conferences and other academic events.
These resources and programs are designed to help new professors achieve their full potential as scholars and teachers, and to support their ongoing growth and development as members of the Yale faculty.
What resources are available to support my teaching and research as a new professor at Yale?
+As a new professor at Yale, you will have access to a wide range of resources to support your teaching and research, including the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Yale University Library, and Yale University Information Technology Services. You will also have access to resources and support within your academic department or program.
How can I get involved in service and leadership opportunities at Yale?
+As a new professor at Yale, you can get involved in service and leadership opportunities by volunteering to serve on university committees, seeking leadership roles within your academic department or program, and participating in university-wide initiatives. You can also talk to your department chair or other colleagues for guidance on how to get involved.
What kind of support is available to help me balance my teaching, research, and service responsibilities as a new professor at Yale?
+As a new professor at Yale, you can seek guidance from your department chair or other colleagues on how to balance your teaching, research, and service responsibilities. You can also take advantage of resources and programs offered by the university, such as the Center for Teaching and Learning and the Faculty Development and Evaluation program.
