Sept. 1, 2026

University leaders encourage new academics to 'start something'

Event welcomes faculty members to build connections and explore opportunities across campus

Thirty-three people stand together for a group photo in a modern office atrium featuring glass-walled rooms, exposed concrete architecture, and indoor greenery. Two pairs of participants in the front row display red-and-yellow patterned scarves. The group is arranged in several rows and faces the camera.

New academics gather at the half-day welcome event, some holding up commemorative 60th-anniversary gifts included in their welcome packages. Jason Lewis

Starting a new role at a new university can be exciting and overwhelming. To help navigate new roles, connect with colleagues and learn more about the University of Calgary community, 41 new academics gathered at the Hunter Student Commons for a welcome event on Aug. 25.

UCalgary People and Culture, with support from the Provost and Vice-President Academic's Office, hosted the event and introduced participants to key university priorities, initiatives and available supports as they begin their careers here.

A panel featuring leaders from the offices of Teaching and Learning, Indigenous Engagement, Research, Signature Learning Experiences and Institutional Commitments showcased key resources and opportunities.

The event also offered opportunities for them to build relationships across campus. During a networking lunch, nine deans welcomed them and discussed their work and interests. Participants also connected with representatives from Active Living, UService, Total Rewards, The University of Calgary Faculty Association, and People and Culture at a resource fair.

“We are proud you've joined our community,” said President Ed McCauley. “We are excited to start something together, with all of you, and we can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make here.”

Wide view of a University of Calgary New Academic Welcome event in a modern gathering space with floor-to-ceiling windows and exposed concrete columns. Attendees sit at multiple tables engaged in discussion, with event materials, refreshments, and a presentation screen visible throughout the room.

Two attendees seated at a roundtable listen and converse during a University of Calgary event. One participant wears a black blazer while another wears a bright red blazer over a university T-shirt. Coffee mugs, notebooks, and printed event materials are arranged on the table.

Three attendees participate in a table discussion at a University of Calgary welcome event. A person in a bright yellow shirt speaks with two other participants across a table covered with notebooks, coffee cups, printed materials, and an open laptop, while other attendees move through the event space in the background.

Three event organizers pose together for a photo indoors. One person wears a red University of Calgary T-shirt, another wears a bright pink blazer, and a third wears a red blazer over a university T-shirt, with event name badges visible on each.

Several attendees participate in a roundtable conversation during a University of Calgary welcome event. Printed materials, notebooks, coffee cups, and refreshments are arranged on the table as participants share ideas and listen to one another.

Attendees seated at round tables listen to speakers during a University of Calgary New Academic Welcome session. Two speakers sit on stage in upholstered chairs in front of a large projection screen while participants face the front of the room.

Five panelists sit on stage during a University of Calgary New Academic Welcome discussion. The panelists are seated in upholstered chairs behind small tables holding water glasses, with name cards positioned in front of the stage seating.

Two attendees converse across a table during a networking session. Coffee cups, notebooks, pens, and event materials are spread across the table as participants engage in small-group discussion.

A speaker stands behind a podium addressing attendees during a University of Calgary event. The speaker wears a light blue shirt and a decorated black vest, while audience members are visible in the foreground.

Attendees participate in a roundtable discussion during the University of Calgary New Academic Welcome event. Event materials, notebooks, refreshments, and a laptop are arranged on the table as participants connect and exchange ideas.

An attendee sits at Table 5 during a networking discussion at the University of Calgary New Academic Welcome event. Event materials, a notebook, refreshments, and coffee cups are arranged on the table, while other participants converse in the background.

The University of Calgary president sits on stage holding a microphone during a panel discussion at the New Academic Welcome event. A table with water glasses is positioned in front of the seating area.

An event organizer speaks from a podium during a University of Calgary New Academic Welcome event while addressing attendees gathered in the venue.

An event host stands behind a podium speaking to attendees. The host wears a red blazer and a University of Calgary T-shirt, with audience members seated in front of the stage area.

The welcome event supports UCalgary's commitment to providing employees with the tools, services and connections they need to thrive. It aligns with the university's Ahead of Tomorrow strategic plan and Talent for Tomorrow people plan that emphasize creating an exceptional employee experience and increasing awareness of available resources.

People and Culture will continue supporting new academics throughout the year, hosting an Academic Connections Roundtable on Oct. 22 and a Coffee Chat with the Provost in early 2027. Those interested in attending can visit the New Academic Welcome webpage to learn more.