Induction procedures for junior academic

[newfirestarter]

Hi all, particularly academics!

I am trying to get a comparison between my current employer's induction techniques (if we can call them that!) and other universities. I took up my first lecturer position recently (if relevant, in a dept of a red brick uni, that isn't peforming that well at present so some tensions). The trouble is, I actually have NO idea what is required of me. Of course, I know the overall parameters of the job - to teach and to publish, and am fine with that. But I have had no formal induction, no formal introduction to other staff, and really no explanation on the nitty gritty of the job. I am basically trying to navigate my own way through everything, but have no idea if there are things I'm meant to be doing but am not.

So really, I'm just wondering, is this normal? I'm guessing it might be quite typical for academic institutions, but just thought I'd compare experiences.

The other question is, I am on a campus where few people are research active, and those who are research different subjects. This seems like a problem to me. And finally, when mentioning concerns around possible isolation to a colleague, he said that it wouldn't be a problem as nobody talked to each other at the main campus in any case! Again, IS THIS NORMAL!?

Any thoughts/advice would be welcome!

I have just left an academic post at a RG university. I also received no induction, no explanation of what I was supposed to do (other than publish (lots) and teach (to a level that you don't get complaints). DP is in a post-92 and had pretty much the same.

Many of the problems you mention epitomse why I decided to hand in my notice on my position after a number of years. Thus far I feel that a weight has been lifted!

The induction side is pretty normal in my experience. No one talking on the main campus does sound odd, but I did find I got quite skewed viewpoints depending on who I was talking to.

Do you have a PGCHE course or similar as part of the probation period?

As someone trying to create some sort of induction process for new academics, it sounds pretty normal to me. There wouldn't be any formal introduction to staff, although you'd be "welcomed" at the first staff meeting after you join (whic could be 4 months later!). We would give you a mentor though and point you in the direction of those admin staff who can tell you about deadlines, processes and so on. I think that there tends to be an assumption that because new lecturers have "been in the system" as post-docs they will know how it all works and what's expected.

Hi all, thanks for your answers. Chutney, I do have a PGCHE course - perhaps that will help?

I have been in the system as a post-doc so do have some understanding I guess, but very much concentrated on research, no teaching, and as a temporary contract never felt that involved in the life of the department I was in. It's a bit paradoxical for me, as one of the reasons I love being an academic is that I feel quite self-managed and independent. That suits me as I hate working in traditional corporate structures and feeling 'owned' by my employer. On the other hand, that can also mean sometimes feeling really quite isolated.

I suppose related to that, are your immediate colleagues supportive, do you work in a team? I can't detect any sense of team feeling in my department. Given that academia can be so challenging on a personal level (ie taking criticism etc), I just wonder how and where people get their support.

Sorry to hear you've left Margrat.

I think the PGCHE will be a good opportunity to meet others in the same position and establish a peer support network. They can be pretty variable in terms of helping your actual teaching, from what I've heard!

I'm not in academia any more either. I found support from colleagues varied a lot from some who were very supportive to those really at the other extreme. I think a lot of that stems from the very competitive current climate, when times are hard a lot seemed to raise their profile by pushing others down. Or out.

I'd suggest finding a more senior member of staff as a mentor. Maybe a couple, one in your department and maybe one not, could provide a helpful perspective. The admin staff were a huge support in navigating the grant process. Having people promoting you in the department is invaluable. I made the mistake of thinking good work would speak for itself. Having someone higher up supporting your bid for student ships, internal funding etc really helps.

FWIW, we have termly departmental induction sessions, and you would be expected to attend the next one after you join. The University also runs optional sessions which you can attend if you wish - I suspect very few do. An email goes out to inform all staff members of a new member of staff. However, the induction sessions are to inform you of what other members of the dept do, not to tell you what you're supposed to be doing.

yy to what chutney said.

In particular don't underestimate the value of support from those higher up within your department. Just try to ensure you don't become a victim of politics between those higher up trying to score points off each other.