Alpha Day
Alpha Day is the second day in the two-day orientation for new faculty members at Ball State University.  The first day is typically spent dealing with many of the logistical details of a new job--filling out forms for insurance, retirement benefits, taxes, etc.  The second day is a series of informative sessions about teaching and learning at Ball State, including important policies and resources for faculty members.  OTLA's role in Alpha Day is to welcome new hires into our community of teacher-scholars and to introduce OTLA's range of faculty development and support services.  Alpha Day 2007 begins on Thursday, August 16th at 7:30 a.m. in the Alumni Center.

Alpha Seminars
Alpha Seminars provide small groups of new faculty members ("Alphas") with a comfortable environment within which to explore a variety of topics related to teaching, scholarship, university service, settling into a new community, etc.  These discussions are facilitated by experienced faculty members who can help you understand these issues within the context of Ball State University and point you to other resources as needed.  All new faculty are encouraged to attend.  For more information and registration, see the Alpha Seminars page. Note: Registration for Fall 2007 Alpha Seminars is available through September 18th..

Alpha/Beta Seminars
Alpha/Beta Seminars are similar to Alpha Seminars, but they introduce the Alphas to second-year faculty members ("Betas"), and thus the topics of conversations change slightly as Betas become a valuable resource for their newest colleagues.  Alpha-Beta Seminars are held in the spring semester and often focus more on various resources available on campus. 

Faculty and Professional Handbook
This resource includes various academic policies that new faculty may need to know.  (PDF file)

Faculty Resource Guide
This site provides information about each office and program on campus that can support faculty in their teaching.

WorkLife Programs
The goal of this human resource program is to offer services and information that will help guide employees and students towards a realistic balance between professional and personal success.  Information and services are related to a variety of needs--child care and elder care referrals, family-related leaves of absences, etc.

Teaching Consultations
New faculty wishing to get input on any aspect of their teaching may contact OTLA to set up single or long-term consultations.  The process is confidential, so there is no worry about indicting yourself as a "bad teacher" by asking for help or feedback (although OTLA's programs are not seen as remedial anyway).  Depending upon your needs, you may work with a member of the OTLA staff or a faculty facilitator.