My feed has been filled this week with announcements of people taking positions at new universities.
Some are first time academic jobs.
Some are second moves.
Occasionally, I see a third move.
Having completed two moves in the past five years, I can assure you that very little will be the same - from how people send emails to the timing of events to norms for how decisions are made.
So few tips for folks starting on a new campus.
First, listen to, but don’t act, on social information.
It will take time to sort out who you can trust, who has an agenda, & who is clueless.
I tend to extend swift trust & take direction from colleagues.
I’ve learned this is a mistake - esp. as it pertains to admin & policy.
Take time to absorb multiple views, form your own opinions, & be slow to share them.
Be the strong silent type - as much as you are able - I’m not much good at it.
Second, the admin staff are your best friend.
Department chairs are hit or miss on knowing process.
They can point you in the right direction - but the person who completes the paperwork usually knows where the bottlenecks rest.
Take some time to sort out which admins support your work unit & your degree program.
Usually, they are more than willing to help you navigate a new place - from completing paperwork to where to grab lunch.
Third, make yourself available.
The first weeks on campus are often filled with new faculty events.
Similar events for networking are not offered to second year faculty.
Show up & meet people.
You need a social network outside of your department if you are going to stay sane + you will see them on committees in the future.
So keep your door open and attend orientation events - even if you have other tasks to complete.
Fourth, look up the academic calendar & plan to be around a week before.
Schools are great at hiring, they are often terrible at oboarding.
People forgot to mention all the pre- semester events - so it’s up to you to find out when they happen.
Fifth, don’t skip the HR meetings.
Most places have options you must sign up for in the first 30 or so days.
Most places make it hard to get answers to questions.
Attend the meeting & schedule a follow up with the HR officer as needed.
Your dept or college rep often lacks information they possess - so it’s a lot easier to get it from the source.
Sixth, take some time to walk around.
Sort out where you can park, grab lunch, buy a book and the many small things that make life easier.
Find your classroom and the admin building.
You will be surprised by how confusing it can be to find essential locations if you are in a hurry.
Finally, make yourself comfortable.
Set up your office.
You will be a lot happier if your computer works, you have a few familiar things, and can get to work.
Work transitions are not simple - so take time to learn the place & forgive yourself if you make mistakes!
Best of luck!
Comments