Sally Abou Melhem, Office of Communications, [email protected]
The American University of Beirut (AUB) held its 2026 New Faculty Orientation over three days, bringing new colleagues together to meet university leadership, connect across disciplines, and explore the resources available to support their work. Organized by the Office of the Provost, the program began at Beit Misk and continued at AUB's West Hall.
This year's cohort comprises 50 faculty members appointed in spring 2025–26 and fall 2026–27, with nine in tenure-track positions, 19 in clinical-track positions, 13 in non-tenure-track positions, and nine in visiting appointments. They bring expertise across medicine, the humanities and social sciences, engineering, and agricultural and food sciences, along with varied academic and professional experiences.
For several new colleagues, joining the faculty also means returning to an institution that helped shape their lives. In responses collected for the orientation, faculty members reflected on the opportunities to give back, pursue meaningful work, and contribute to education and research in Lebanon.
“AUB played a pivotal role in my academic and professional development through my undergraduate, graduate, and research experiences," said Raeda El Sayed Ahmad, an instructor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences. “Joining its faculty allowed me to give back to the community that invested in my growth while mentoring the next generation of students."
For Mouhammad Sakr, an assistant professor of computer science, joining AUB connects his international experience with his commitment to education in Lebanon. “I chose AUB because of its strong academic reputation in the region and commitment to excellence in research." He added that it also offers him the opportunity to bring that experience back to Lebanon and contribute to educating future graduates.
The opportunity to help shape students' futures also resonated with Naim Al Khoury, an assistant professor of industrial engineering and management. “Ultimately, training the next generation of engineers here at AUB is how I feel I can best contribute to building our future society."
Iyad Raya, a lecturer in Critical Humanities for the Liberal Arts, expressed a personal connection to the work itself. “I chose AUB because it felt like a place where I could do meaningful teaching and stay close to the kind of work I care about."
The opening day at Beit Misk combined introductions to AUB's leadership and priorities with time for informal conversation. The program featured a welcome address by Dr. Fadlo Khuri, AUB president; an overview of AUB's mission and priorities by Professor Zaher Dawy, university provost; and a presentation on the new faculty by Professor Fida Afiouni, associate provost. Faculty introductions and breakout discussions with deans were interspersed with team-building activities, a shared lunch, and a walk around Beit Misk.
On day two, the program focused on navigating university life. Sessions covered administrative services, human resources, faculty benefits, and non-discrimination and anti-discriminatory harassment initiatives, alongside health services, wellness resources, and sports facilities. A panel featuring faculty members from seven faculties and schools provided an opportunity for conversation with colleagues across AUB. Participants also had the option of joining a campus walking tour.
Research and teaching were the focus of the final day. Sessions introduced support available through the Office of Research, funding through the University Research Board, the Human Research Protection Program, and University Libraries. The teaching component addressed faculty responsibilities toward students, resources offered by the Institute for Academic Innovation and Development, student support services—including counseling and accessible education—and academic IT support. The program also included an optional session on practical tips for life in Beirut and concluded with a classical music concert at the university's historic Assembly Hall.
This year's orientation also marked a transition in the program's leadership, as Afiouni passes responsibility to newly appointed associate provost Dr. Pierre Karam while returning to teaching at the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business.
“This year's New Faculty Orientation was especially meaningful to me as I transition out of leading the program," said Afiouni. “We welcomed an exceptionally diverse group of colleagues, bringing rich academic and professional experiences from across disciplines. Our conversations and team-building activities brought the AUB spirit and its values of excellence, empathy, integrity, equity, accountability, and teamwork to life."
She added, “I am delighted to pass the leadership of the program to Dr. Pierre Karam, an experienced and collaborative leader with a strong commitment to faculty development, and I am confident that he will continue to strengthen the program and the sense of community it creates."
For Karam, the role offers an opportunity to extend the support that shaped his own experience at AUB.
“This is a role I am truly excited to step into. I have been fortunate to have exceptional mentors at AUB who had a lasting impact on my career, and there is something meaningful about now helping to create those same opportunities for faculty and students."
Bringing together practical guidance and personal connections, the three-day orientation introduced new colleagues to the people and resources that will support their work. It also created opportunities to build relationships across disciplines as they contribute to AUB's teaching, research, and service.