New Faculty Foundation, Impact, and Transformation (FIT) is a signature initiative of the Michael V. Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning. The program offers a year-long series of coordinated learning experiences that foster professional growth, mentorship, and peer connections. Since its launch in 2016, New Faculty FIT has welcomed new and developing faculty into a vibrant community of educators who are committed to reflective, evidence-based teaching at The Ohio State University.
Are you an experienced Ohio State educator with a demonstrated commitment to teaching excellence? The Drake Institute is seeking Faculty FIT mentors for the 2025-2026 academic year. FIT mentors facilitate a small cohort—typically three to four new faculty members—that meets regularly throughout the academic year to engage in collegial, confidential conversations about teaching. Discussions are guided by a CarmenCanvas course that includes curated resources, discussion prompts, and activities on topics such as instructional design, inclusive pedagogy, student engagement, digital learning, and faculty well-being.
Apply to be a New Faculty FIT Mentor
2024-2025 FIT Program Highlights
We'd like to thank all of the 2024-2025 New Faculty FIT mentors and congratulate our many faculty participants for completing the program.
- 26 mentoring cohorts were formed, representing a wide range of disciplines and teaching contexts.
- New content on artificial intelligence and discussion-based teaching was introduced in the Carmen course.
- FIT mentors continued to demonstrate strong commitment, with many returning year after year to support new colleagues.
- Faculty participants engaged deeply with the FIT program through participation in workshops, book groups, and other Drake-sponsored events.
Recognition and Endorsement
Faculty who complete the FIT Program earn the New Faculty FIT Teaching and Learning endorsement, one of 20+ professional learning credentials available from the Drake Institute. This endorsement affirms a faculty member’s commitment to reflective teaching and positions them for further engagement in Drake Institute initiatives, such as the SoTL/DBER Learning Community.
Join a FIT Cohort
The New Faculty FIT Program begins each year with a kickoff during New Faculty Orientation. New faculty interested in joining a 2025–2026 FIT cohort are encouraged to email drakeinstitute@osu.edu. Registration opens mid-August.