Sessional academic staff induction guidelines

The university is currently considering its approach to training and support for sessional teaching appointees.

The following general guidelines recommended for inducting sessional academic staff are based on information and advice from academic heads of department and relate to current practices in parts of the university. Where not relevant for your area, please amend/replace with any additional or alternative local procedures required. If you would like to offer information on your local induction process to be added to these guidelines, please contact Staff.Development@adm.monash.edu.au. Samples of programs are most welcome.

For assistance with induction into the faculty, consult your faculty contact as listed.

Sessional teaching appointees are welcome to attend the university orientation program, Welcome to Monash, held at regular intervals throughout the year.

Pre-Employment

1. Complete an "Employment of Casual/Sessional Staff" form, which needs to be signed by two departmental staff (i.e. a person with financial delegation and Dean/Head of Organisational Unit/Business Manager) and the new employee.

2. Send completed form to HR Services along with a Employee personal details form and "Tax File Number Declaration".  The "Employment of Casual/Sessional Staff" form becomes the official contract of employment for the new employee.

3. Welcome new employee by contacting and inviting to attend an induction program prior to commencement of classes.

4. Organise IT Hardware and Software requirements.

5. If sessional staff are being provided with a work space, complete workstation preparation i.e .office cleaned, stationery available, and phone connection working.

6.Let key people in local workplace and broader workplace know of appointment and starting date.

7. Add appointee to Monash and departmental email, and phone listings as well as circulation lists.

8. Appoint an appropriate mentor/co-ordinator.

Pre-Classes Induction Program

• download sample induction program

1. Ensure where possible that the sessional staff member attends an induction program specific to your area before the commencement of classes. (See sample program) The program needs to cover the following:

• Welcome and introduction to the department, campus, the university
• Clarification of expected roles and responsibilities
• Explanation of expected approach to teaching aligned with that of the department
• Visit to Human Resources (HR) to hand in completed forms and obtain ID card
• Arrangement of keys, swipe card, parking permit, after hour security arrangements where appropriate
• Organisation of computer password and email access through helpdesk@its.monash.edu.au
  

Day 1 of Classes

1. Introduce to staff and colleagues
2. Organise tour of department- local workplace, including all facilities, location and use of printer, photocopier and mail distribution
3. Settle into office (if one has been allocated), ensure workstation is fully equipped, and demonstrate phone system, including voice mail
4. Give timetable of classes
5. Give procedures for booking and use of facilities and equipment

Ongoing Support

1. Hold regular group and/or individual meetings with sessional staff. Mentor/ co-ordinator to chair meeting and cover the following issues

• Ongoing communication and provision of relevant information
• Review previous plans, including feedback from students
• Solve any problems/ challenges which may have arisen
• Re-emphasise expected teaching approach, discuss progress and provide encouragement and support
• Provide feedback on performance and discuss training and development needs if appropriate
• Plan coming activities
• Involve in any departmental social activities