The two-day faculty orientation at Savar residential campus began with introductions and a welcome speech by the Pro-VC, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. Dr. Ahmed’s session touched on the issues such as the history of BRACU, its teaching philosophy, nature and backgrounds of the students who attend the university etc. On day-2, professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury, Vice-Chancellor of BRACU, took a session on the multiplicity of roles of faculty members and their performance evaluations. Other sessions during the orientation covered a range of subjects, from more practical topics such as the academic system, student assessment and student advising, to more pedagogical issues such as ‘good’ teaching, learning and learning styles, different theories of learning, multiple intelligences and encouraging student participation.

Participants enthusiastically took part in the sessions. New faculty displayed their ability to engage students by micro-teaching challenging topics, and also engaged in a heated debate on the use of powerpoint in the classroom. Everyone enjoyed two overnight stays at the delightful Savar campus where they could stroll around, engage in different activities in the evening and fill up on good food throughout the day. The orientation ended with remarks from the Pro-Vice Chancellor, who congratulated the new faculty and handed out certificates. 

The orientation was collaboratively designed and facilitated by the following staff members of BRACU: Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Sadra Siddiky, Hammad Ali, Elizabeth Wickwire, Dr. Monica Gomes and Ali Md. Shahiduzzaman.