Freshmen aren't the only people who need orientation. There are things new faculty members need to learn.

To bring this year's new arrivals up to speed, the Office of the Vice Provost for Research has scheduled a workshop, "Faculty Orientation to Research Administration and Support," 12:30-5 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Statler Hotel, aimed at some 80 new faculty members. Because this is the first time the workshop has been offered, those who have arrived over the past two years are also encouraged to attend. Pre-registration is not required, but those planning to attend are asked to sign up via the workshop website at http://www.research.cornell.edu/VPR/NewFaculty2011/default.html.

"The main objective is to make as smooth as possible the transition into the Cornell research system, so they can submit their proposals and research protocols and get along with their work," said Robert Buhrman, senior vice provost for research. He said he hoped the workshop would make it easier for faculty to manage their research in an environment of increasingly complex regulations and increasingly strong competition.

The workshop will include opportunities to meet with the individuals who assist and support research but whom researchers seldom see. "We think the personal touch will be helpful," Buhrman said. Faculty chairs of compliance committees and research centers and heads of departments will provide essential information about their areas, and staff will be available to answer questions. There will be eight presentations, many repeated at several times over the afternoon:

Managing the Life Cycle of Your Sponsored Research -- The Office of Sponsored Programs ensures that grant applications meet the requirements of both Cornell and the granting agencies, negotiates and accepts awards and manages post-award changes. The Office of Sponsored Financial Services supports post-award financial compliance.

Use of Animals in Research, Testing and Teaching -- Cornell's animal program ensures that the highest standards of ethical treatment, use and care of animals are followed.

Research with Human Participants -- The Human Research Protection Program protects the rights of those who participate as subjects in research.

Use of Biohazardous Materials in Research -- The Institutional Biosafety Committee oversees research with materials such as pesticides, bacteria and recombinant DNA to ensure protection of personnel, the general public and the environment.

Animal Resources and Education -- Cornell's Center for Animal Resources and Education provides veterinary care and treatment for animals, and education, training and consultation for appropriate and humane animal care, and manages several animal facilities on campus.

Health and Safety Considerations in Research -- Cornell Environmental Health and Safety advises on radiation safety, biosafety, chemical safety, controlled substances and hazardous waste management. It assists with compliance in all areas of fire, health and environmental regulation, and manages emergency services such as emergency response, emergency management and continuity plans.

Technology, Enterprise and Commercialization -- The Cornell Center for Technology, Enterprise and Commercialization assists researchers in securing patent and copyright protection for their work, marketing their discoveries and launching startup companies.

Research Centers and Shared Facilities -- World-class resources are available to researchers in such areas as microscopy, nanofabrication, high-performance computing, life sciences laboratory facilities and social science databases, along with the expertise of many world-class research centers in fields ranging from genomics to astronomy.

A full schedule is available on the website.