Welcoming a New Staff Member to Your School

A guide for heads of school, supervisors and colleagues

School Induction

A new staff member's view of the University and your school is strongly influenced by the impressions formed during the first week on the job, and in particular by those of the first day. A well thought-out induction can help ensure that these impressions are positive and that the staff member is able to settle comfortably and quickly into his or her new job. It is important to take this opportunity to make the new staff member feel welcome and show the valued role he or she is to play within your school.

Generally it is useful to pace the induction activities so that the staff member is not overwhelmed on the first day. By the end of the first month the staff member will need to have received most of the necessary information and support. The designation of activities is best judged by someone familiar with the department's functioning - that is why this guide has been designed to be used in conjunction with your experience.

The First Day

It is probably wise not to 'bombard' new staff with too much new information on the first day. Provide sufficient information so the staff member has something to work with and knows where to go with questions.

A number of school staff members may be involved in providing the induction programme (e.g. head of school, administrative officer or secretary, colleagues, etc.) and will have varying degrees of contact with the staff member on the first day.

Some suggestions for the first day include:

1. Be punctual when greeting the new staff member.

2. Be enthusiastic and sincere.

3. Explain your role within the school and in the staff member's induction programme.

The First Week

Make yourself available and accessible to the new staff member as much as possible during the first week, or ensure that someone else (a peer support) can fill this role when questions arise or assistance is required. Check the new staff member's reactions to the first few days. Ask if there is anything else you can do to assist the staff member's adjustment.

The First Month

You might consider arranging regular meetings during the first month so that you can answer any questions the staff member may have and provide some general feedback. Also, frequent informal meetings, such as morning tea, will reduce the likelihood of the new staff member feeling isolated after the high contact in the initial week.

After 3 Months

Now is an ideal time for the supervisor to discuss the staff member's progress. Good work should be recognised and any remaining transition issues should be resolved. You might also like to discuss staff development resources and opportunities in more detail.

Checklists

Sample checklists have been developed to assist you in preparing for the induction programme.  This may of course be adapted to suit your School and the needs of the individual.

Peer Support

It is recommended that as part of the induction process at the School level that the new staff member is matched with a peer support person.

The peer support may be someone who has worked at the University for some time and who might for example:

• assist the new staff member in settling into the School;

• provide information about the culture of the University;

• provide basic information regarding the University's wide range of facilities, including shops, lunch venues, recreational activities etc;.

• be a friendly point of contact for any questions;

• ensure that the new staff member is not isolated.

The peer support is not intended to be a mentor who provides assistance with career planning and the achievement of professional goals and objectives.

In addition new international staff members have access to a mentoring programme, details of which can be found at http://www.csd.osds.uwa.edu.au/page/37791.

Additionally

The Organisational and Staff Development Services hosts a formal orientation programme at the start of each semester. All staff members who have joined the University during the previous six months are invited to attend. The new staff are officially welcomed by the Vice-Chancellor and others holding senior positions within the University. Staff are given a broad perspective of the University's mission and functioning, as well as information about the services and facilities provided by a number of sections on campus. The orientation programme also includes specific programmes for staff who will be involved in teaching and learning, research and who may be in a leadership role.

Further information regarding departmental induction or the University's orientation programme can be obtained by contacting Claire Webb on 6488 3986.