The Drake Institute's New Faculty Foundation, Impact, and Transformation (FIT) program offers a year-long series of coordinated learning experiences that foster professional growth, mentorship, and peer connections among Ohio State faculty. Since its launch in 2016, New Faculty FIT has welcomed recently hired faculty into a vibrant community of educators who are committed to reflective, evidence-based teaching.
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.