Spark

This two-day program introduces new faculty—regardless of prior teaching experience—to teaching at UVA. Through a series of interactive sessions, new faculty learn about themselves as educators and about UVA students as learners, ways to create and foster more inclusive learning environments, and how to create more active learning environments, more effective assignments, more equitable grading practices, and more transparent syllabi. Through informal conversations and structured activities, new faculty also begin developing a supportive teaching community with colleagues from across the University.

Dates & Times

Spark is scheduled for Wednesday, August 9 and Thursday, August 10, 2023. Sessions on both days run from 9:00 AM–3:30 PM; lunch is provided. While new faculty benefit most from attending all sessions, it is permissible to step in and out as needed.

An optional introduction to the University’s learning management system, UVACanvas, will be held following Wednesday’s session, from 3:45–5:00 PM. In addition, an optional celebratory reception will be held following Thursday’s session, from 3:45–5:30 PM.

Note: The Provost Office hosts a general orientation and welcome to UVA, which will be held Tuesday, August 15 and Wednesday, August 16. This two-day, in-person orientation is designed to welcome new faculty to UVA, build community, connect new faculty to useful resources, provide practical, concrete information, and encourage a healthy work-life balance. Learn more about the New Faculty Orientation and Welcome program.

Location

Spark will be held in Bavaro Hall 116 both days. Parking is available in the Central Grounds Garage, which is under the University Bookstore at 400 Emmet Street. The Central Grounds Garage is about a 3-minute walk from Bavaro Hall. Handicap parking is available directly outside of Bavaro Hall.