Welcome to VCU School of Medicine! Whether you are embarking on your first role after earning your degree or coming to us later in your career, the Office of Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development is thrilled you’re here. As you begin this next step, we are committed to supporting you and assuring that you feel welcomed and valued as you get acclimated to your new work environment.
We are continuously inspired by the diverse wealth of expertise, innovation, and compassion of our School of Medicine faculty, and we can’t wait to see your talents and contributions.
Jean Bailey, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Faculty Development
Orientation Sessions
The University
Each fall, the university holds orientation sessions and welcome receptions for new faculty members to kick off the academic year. This is an opportunity to meet and hear from leaders across the School of Medicine, VCU Health and the university at large, and to learn about the history of the institution, get to know new colleagues and begin exploring essential topics like teaching and learning resources, research development, and promotion and tenure.
The School of Medicine
As part of their onboarding, new faculty are required to attend a School of Medicine orientation session within the first month of being hired. A member of the Office of Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development will facilitate each session and provide a "big picture" orientation to VCU Health, VCU, and MCV-P. They will share information about the university organization, SOM organization and faculty support as well as provide an opportunity for new faculty to engage with a SOM senior leader. The session will conclude with an introduction to CliftonStrengths, a method of exploring and building upon innate talent that is central to our culture in the School of Medicine.
SOM Orientation sessions will be held from 2:00pm - 3:30pm on the first Friday of every month on the sixth floor of the McGlothlin Medical Education Center (MMEC), Room 6-101, except in January 2027, when the session will be moved to the second Friday.
Please contact Jody Hedstrom with questions about scheduling your new faculty orientation session.
| Session Date | New Faculty Start Date |
|---|---|
| August 7, 2026 | July 1 - August 1, 2026 |
| September 4, 2026 | August 2 - September 1, 2026 |
| October 2, 2026 | September 2 - October 1, 2026 |
| November 6, 2026 | October 2 - November 1, 2026 |
| December 4, 2026 | November 2 - December 1, 2026 |
| January 8, 2027 | December 2, 2026 - January 1, 2027 |
| February 5, 2027 | January 2 - February 1, 2027 |
| March 5, 2027 | February 2 - March 1, 2027 |
| April 2, 2027 | March 2 - April 1, 2027 |
| May 7, 2027 | April 2 - May 1, 2027 |
| June 4, 2027 | May 2 - June 1, 2027 |
Committees and Networking
We encourage faculty members to connect with peers, build community and engage with life at VCU School of Medicine in ways that are meaningful and enriching. Opportunities include attending social and networking events, serving on a broad range of committees and joining university-wide career communities.
More than 80 new faculty welcomed to VCU
Events geared to new faculty on topics ranging from promotion to research will be held throughout the year.
Additional Resources
Contact Us
For more information and support for new faculty, please contact:
Jean Bailey, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Faculty Development
jean.bailey@vcuhealth.org
804-828-3134