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Faculty Connections

Championing the Faculty Affairs’ mission and vision and our belief that nurturing a humanistic approach to faculty activity fosters excellence, opportunity, and impact, we have organized an annual faculty onboarding connection series. This series was created to build community for faculty within their first three years at our institution and to recognize recently promoted faculty. The series supports faculty sense of belonging, staying connected, and networking in a family-friendly environment. 

Spring 2026 Events

Journey Beyond the Horizon: Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium

Step into the Eos Foundation Planetarium Theatre for an unforgettable journey through space and science & discover the vast and fascinating universe—both here on Earth and beyond our solar system!

  • Monday, February 16, 2026, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
  • Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium
  • This in-person event is open to faculty and their immediate family members and friends. This is a family-friendly, child-friendly activity.

In collaboration with the College of Science and the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, this reception invites faculty to build community, network, and explore opportunities to integrate science, and astronomy into their teaching and research. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided, along with exclusive access to the Science Center exhibits and a private planetarium show.

Registration is capped to ensure a high-quality planetarium experience.

Key partners: We extend our gratitude to the College of Science and the Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium personnel. 

Click Here to RSVP

Faculty Cookout at the Tucson Village Farm

See our land-grant mission in action through the work of Cooperative Extension while enjoying a family-friendly cookout. 

  • Tuesday, Mar. 31, 2026, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
  • Tucson Village Farm
  • This is an in-person event open to faculty and their immediate families and friends

Faculty will have the chance to build community, network, and learn about one of the University of Arizona’s landmarks as a land-grant institution and the invaluable work of our Cooperative Extension faculty. Food will be provided.

Registration is capped due to the venue's capacity.

Key partners: We sincerely thank the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension for their partnership.

Click Here to RSVP

2026 Commencement Faculty Reception

Experience an exclusive front-row view of the ceremony and join colleagues, students, and their families in celebrating our graduates' achievements.

  • Friday, May 15, 2026, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
  • Bear Down Kitchen in the Lowell-Stevens Football Facility
  • This is an in-person event open to all faculty
  • Regalia is required for all attendees; the Campus Store regalia rental deadline is Monday, Feb. 23

Commencement signifies a huge accomplishment for undergraduate and graduate students who have completed their degree, and faculty attending and marching is a true testament of their passion and dedication to the students that they have taught, guided, and mentored throughout their time at the University of Arizona. Heavy appetizers will be served.

Key partners: We extend our gratitude to the University of Arizona Presidential Events team. 

Click Here to RSVP

Past Events

Fine Arts Reception

Elevate your teaching & research with the arts. Experience a private guided tour of our very own public & student curated art exhibit. 

  • Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
  • School of Art courtyard & atrium | 1031 N. Olive Road, Tucson, AZ 85721
  • This is an in-person event open to faculty and their immediate families & friends

In collaboration with the College of Fine Arts, this reception invites faculty to build community, network, and learn about opportunities to integrate the arts into their teaching and research. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided, as well as a private guided tour of the unique public Art Oasis.

Key partners: We are grateful to the College of Fine Arts for hosting the Fine Arts Reception in collaboration with the University of Arizona Museum of Art. Their support in fostering these connections is invaluable. 

2023 Events

  • Faculty Promotion Recognition | A celebration for recently promoted UArizona faculty
    • We know many years of work have gone into this moment and we want to acknowledge it. Faculty have the opportunity to commemorate their promotion with a social event and with a bookplate in the Library’s catalog record, attached to a book chosen by each promoted faculty member to honor their journey. Reception.
    • October 12, 2023, 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm. In person.
    • Jim Click Hall of Champions | 1766 E. University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719.
  • Fine Arts Reception – In collaboration with the College of Fine Arts
    • Faculty will have the opportunity to build community, network, and know about opportunities to engage teaching and research with the arts. Reception.
    • December 7, 2023, 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm. In person.
    • UArizona Museum of Art | 1031 N. Olive Road, Tucson, AZ 85721
  • Cookout
    • Faculty have the opportunity to build community, network, and know about the Campus Agricultural Center (CAC) and UArizona extension. Barbecue.
    • Friday, March 29, 2023, 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm. In person. - In person, outdoors, family friendly (bring your kids!)
    • University of Arizona Campus Agricultural Center. 4101 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719.

For the health and safety of U of A faculty and community, there were no Campus Connections Series events during 2021 and 2022 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our priority has always been to ensure a safe environment for everyone, and this decision was made with that in mind.

  • Wellbeing during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic: considerations for our departments and ourselves. Workshop with practical tools to practice wellbeing for faculty presented by Dr. Ann Marie Chiasson, MD MPH, Director, Fellowship in Integrative Medicine | Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine | Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona.
  • Panel Discussion: Adaptation and Best Practices for On-line Teaching. Panel created as a friendly space for faculty to share and learn from peers on best practices for online education and teaching.
    • April 9, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.
  • Faculty Wellness in COVID19 Times. Created to provide practical resources and well-being practices for faculty to mitigate undesirable effects of COVID19 circumstances in the work space.
    • April 16, 2020 at 4:30 p.m.