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I am so appreciative of the support and care that CSUN has for us all. Not only our student's success, but faculty as well.

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Xochitl Alvizo, Religious Studies, College of Humanities

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Best advice for new faculty: Make everything you do EVERGREEN (usable into the future w/out references that make it outdated)

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Jamie Johnson, Research Instruction & Outreach Services, University Library 

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Advice: Support is all around you and the Library is here to help!

Favorite thing about working at CSUN: the hardworking and dedicated students! They continue to amaze me each semester.

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Best Advice: Always make time for yourself. You are a priority.

Favorite place to eat near campus: Maria's and Portos.

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John Valdovinos, Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science

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My advice to new faculty would be: seek out friends/colleagues outside of your department or college.

My favorite thing about working at CSUN is: always learning something new about our students. They are awesome and hardworking.

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Fatmana Kara Deniz, Department of Special Education, College of Education

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Best Advice: Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and ask your questions! It helps you connect with people and solve problems faster than email.

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Nayan Ramirez, Criminology and Justice Studies, Social and Behavioral Sciences

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Best advice: Give yourself a break, take at least one day off!

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Dana Stone, Educational Psychology & Counseling, College of Education 

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Best Advice: Be intentional about making friends here. And then make time to have a meal or grab coffee together regularly throughout the semester. Personal connections make all the difference.

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Kristy Michaud, Political Science (College of Social and Behavioral Sciences) & FacDev

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Favorite thing about working at CSUN: I learn something new from my students or colleagues every single day.

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Whitney Scott, Director of Faculty Development. Home Department: Child & Adolescent Development 

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Advice: Teaching- Be thoughtful of giving too many assignments; if you don't have time to grade it & give students feedback, maybe you shouldn't assign it. Research: Block time on your calendar- it's the only way. Service: When asked to join a committee, pause, ask questions, reply that you need time to ponder, then seek guidance from a mentor. Balance- Contribute to your retirement this year- before you know it, it's been 20 years at CSUN!

Food: Email me and let's go find a lunch place together one day this semester.

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Marcella "Marcy" De Veaux, Journalism, Mike Curb College

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Best advice: Find a freakout buddy!

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Hillary Kaplowitz | Senior Instructional Designer, Faculty Development  | Lecturer, Instructional Design MA Program, Tseng College 

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Advice: Use your calendar to set specific times for getting things done like course prep, grading, and relaxing.

Favorite places to eat: Bun Me! and King's Burger/Got Sushi?

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Hillary Kaplowitz sitting outside smiling

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Casey terHorst, Biology Department, College of Science and Math

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Advice: Learn to say no, but also say yes to the things that bring you joy!

My favorite place to eat near campus is Falafel Palace (RIP Señor Sol)

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Joe Bautista, Department of Art & Design, Mike Curb College

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Favorite thing about working at CSUN: Many opportunities to collaborate beyond your field of study.

My advice to new faculty: Build a good relationship with your department/college staff. It will go a long way!

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Sue Magdziarz, Instructional Designer, Faculty Development

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Advice: Spend some time enjoying nature on campus by visiting the duck and turtle pond in the orange grove and the botanic garden.

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Thank you to the student assistants who made sure we were well-fed, well-watered, and supported us with their good energy!

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Thank you for such a thoughtful program!

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I appreciate all the coffee, breaks, and openness and kindness from everyone.

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Best advice: Academia is a marathon and not a Sprint.

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The time and dedication of the Faculty Development team to ensure that everyone feels welcomed, and heard. Thank you to everyone involved in NFO.

I also want to recognize the various staff members and student assistants.

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Shoutout to my new colleagues in the College of Humanities! Hearing about their background and expertise reminds me that I have a lot to offer too.

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My take-away: In Shakespeare Class, you don't read all of Shakespeare. In my classes I'm going to pivot to focus on teaching how to learn and grow over the long-term in my creative field.

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Thank you to everyone for being kind and flexible. A special shout to organizers making sure we were fed and had breaks so we could make the most of orientation mentally and emotionally!

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Thank you to everyone for this awesome collective learning experience. As well as for your support in transitioning into this new academic journey!

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I’m appreciative of the awareness I’ve received about systemic iniquities in the classroom that teachers must aim to overcome or eliminate to facilitate effective learning in a diverse environment.

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I appreciate the whole facdev team for really providing energy and encouragement during this week! I know that if I have been tired they must really be tired. So thank you!

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Thank you for such a thoughtful program!

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I appreciate the time and effort it took to design and create all the activities we did during orientation.

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I really appreciate the helpful advice on how to incorporate active learning strategies into my teaching.

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Thank you for the warm welcome, all the resources, the food, the generosity, and for all the energy you put into organizing and sharing your experiences.

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Thank you to the student staff helping with food/beverages and coordination.

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I appreciate how amazing this cohort of professors is. I’ve learned a ton from your comments and think that you all are amazing!

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I really appreciated the words from the staff at the pride center

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Thank you for helping me find community!

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I am grateful for the behind the scenes work that Candy, Irene, and Luis have done this week. Food and refreshments are the nourishment we need in between all the learning.

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I appreciate the emphasis on collaboration. Not only among new faculty abut also collaboration was modeled for us through the orientation. I also appreciate that we had several days to be with people to get to know them better and build relationships. I also appreciate Marcy for naming what needed to be named after the police commander’s comment.

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I am grateful and thankful for everyone who has presented, shared, and this cohort. I feel seen, heard, and a big part of something even bigger than me. Thank you all.

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I appreciate this great friendship that we have made during these past few days. I appreciate that we have this amazing community that we can always reach out to if we have any problem, challenge, or question.

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I appreciate every one of you being so dedicated making us feel so relieved at the beginning of our journey. 🙏🏻

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I am grateful for Hilary’s help with a coupla my technological questions.

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I really appreciate FACDEV for their attention to detail, their care, knowledge and experience! Not to mention class of 2024 will be the best and I look forward to seeing and sharing all of the awesome experiences!

#FACDEV2025

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Much gratitude for the thoughtfulness that went into this week. It was well planned and well executed. I feel much more prepared for the upcoming academic year.

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I appreciate the intentional community building that was embedded throughout orientation. Hope to stay connected with folks.

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Xochitl Alvizo, Religious Studies, College of Humanities

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Best advice for new faculty: Make everything you do EVERGREEN (usable into the future w/out references that make it outdated)