How to Get Started - OPCD - University of Dallas

Vocational Exploration Faculty Resources

UD Odyssey Faculty Resources

UD Odyssey seeks to assist and guide undergraduate students to find their deep purpose and calling through vocational exploration, mentoring, and community service. UD Odyssey is funded by the Council of Independent Colleges and Lilly Endowment Inc.

Questions about UD Odyssey, please email Gaby O'Neill.


Faculty Book Discussion

Each academic year in collaboration with the UD Teaching and Learning Conference and the Center for Teaching and Learning, we will host a signature event and lunch to discuss the chosen faculty vocational book for the year and reflect upon vocational exploration. We hope that you will join this discussion group, especially if you serve as an undergraduate advisor, as you play a critical role in supporting students as they explore their vocations.

2023-24 Academic Year

We will be discussing last year's book, The Courage to Teach by Parker Palmer, at the UD Teaching and Learning Conference on January 16, 2024. Copies of the book were delivered to full-time undergraduate faculty members in October 2022. 

Adjunct, graduate, or new faculty: the Blakley Library owns the book both electronically and in print. To access the electronic version, please click here.


Faculty Advising Guides

View our advising guides for undergraduate students. Click below to access the guide for your discipline. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   

Do you have suggestions for improving our guides? We welcome your feedback. Please email Gaby O'Neill.


UD Odyssey Faculty-Led Vocational Events

The UD Odyssey program can support a limited number of faculty-sponsored events throughout the academic year. Please see the details and criteria for funding below: 
  • Support of up to $700 per event to include speaker honoraria ($250 limit), speaker travel expenses, and event hospitality.
  • Event must contain a component of vocational exploration for students. Speakers should discuss their own vocational journeys and how they arrived at their chosen vocation.
  • Event should be focused on undergraduates.
Complete the form below to request funding for your event. Please submit your request 4 weeks in advance, if possible.
 
Questions? Please contact Gaby O'Neill.
 
 

First Year Experience Stipends 

The summer after the first year of college is an opportune time for students to reflect and begin exploring their vocation in earnest. UD Odyssey will provide stipends for up to six rising sophomores to complete 50-hour summer experiences, including faculty-led research, nonprofit internships, or independent research guided by faculty. 

Application opens: Spring 2024


 

Vocation: where your deep happiness and the world's deep needs meet.

The UD Odyssey Program is funded by the Council of Independent Colleges and Lilly Endowment Inc.