Welcome: New faculty get acclimated with fun scavenger hunt

What better way to get familiar with the Heidelberg campus and community than a scavenger hunt? That’s what our four new faculty members – Drs. Ted Carlin (Media), Brandon Gallimore (Athletic Training), Todd Harrison (School of Business) and Ben Herrick (School of Music & Theatre) – experienced as part of their New Faculty Orientation on Wednesday.

Orientation kicked off with a welcome from President Rob Huntington and Provost Courtney DeMayo Pugno. The new faculty learned about CNIT support services and classroom technology and participated in Heidelberg 101, a session about our students, campus acronyms and the academic calendar. Dr. Justin Pruneski walked them through expectations of faculty during the first year and they also learned how to navigate OASIS and Guardian.

Following lunch with their faculty mentors, they hopped into golf carts and took off on their scavenger hunt to explore student services and discover the campus.

They documented their excursion with photos in front of the “H,” in an egg chair in Beeghly Library and the Clean Plate Station in Hoernemann Refectory. They were provided clever clues to get from one location to the next, including this fun one:

“From dining delight to athletic might, your next clue is where Hoernemann Stadium and All-Americans unite.”

Seiberling Gym was next, where they were assigned to shoot hoops, each making a basket. But since the gym floor is being renovated, they adapted. Next, they found themselves in the comfort of Frost Lecture Hall, also making stops at Gundlach Theatre, Miller Hall, Herbster Chapel, the University Commons, Saurwein Health & Wellness Center, Aldams Hall and finally, the Campus Center, where they were assigned to find the provost and take a selfie with her.

Their orientation concluded with sessions about preparing for a successful semester and work time.

Judging by the smiles, the day – especially the scavenger hunt – was a huge success.

Nate Beres and Morgan Harrigan coordinated the entire day.

“Nate and I had a great time collaborating, planning, and executing New Faculty Orientation, as this was our first ‘big event’ in our new positions,” said Morgan.

We welcome our newest colleagues and wish them a fantastic academic year.