It Professor Onboarding Checklist

It Professor Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new It Professor starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Education onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new It Professor, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample It Professor onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

It Professor Onboarding Checklist

1. IT Infrastructure Orientation: This task involves providing a comprehensive overview of the company’s IT infrastructure, including hardware, software, networks, and systems. The IT department or a designated IT specialist would perform this task, ensuring the new IT professor understands the technological landscape they will be working with.

2. Introduction to Company Policies and Procedures: It is crucial for the new IT professor to be familiar with the company’s policies and procedures, such as acceptable use of technology, data security protocols, and IT support processes. The HR department or a designated representative would typically handle this task, providing the necessary documentation and conducting an orientation session.

3. Access and Account Setup: To enable the IT professor to perform their duties effectively, they need access to various systems, databases, and accounts. The IT department would be responsible for setting up and configuring these accounts, ensuring the professor has the necessary permissions and credentials to carry out their tasks.

4. Introduction to Learning Management Systems (LMS): In the education industry, learning management systems play a vital role in delivering online courses and managing student data. The IT professor should receive training on the company’s LMS, including how to create and manage courses, upload content, and interact with students. The IT department or a designated LMS administrator would typically handle this task.

5. Familiarization with Classroom Technology: As an IT professor, it is essential to be well-versed in the classroom technology available, such as projectors, interactive whiteboards, audio systems, and video conferencing tools. The IT department or a designated AV specialist would provide training on how to operate and troubleshoot these technologies, ensuring a seamless teaching experience.

6. Introduction to Data Management and Security: Given the sensitive nature of student and institutional data, the IT professor should receive training on data management and security best practices. This includes understanding data backup procedures, encryption methods, and compliance with relevant privacy regulations. The IT department or a designated data security officer would typically handle this task.

7. Collaboration Tools Training: In an educational setting, collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, or other communication platforms are often used for team collaboration, file sharing, and virtual meetings. The IT professor should receive training on how to effectively utilize these tools to enhance communication and collaboration within the organization. The IT department or a designated collaboration tools specialist would perform this task.

8. Introduction to Help Desk Support: It is crucial for the IT professor to know how to seek technical assistance when encountering issues or questions. The IT department would provide an overview of the help desk support system, including how to submit tickets, contact support personnel, and access self-help resources. This ensures the professor can quickly resolve any IT-related challenges they may face.

9. Networking and Relationship Building: To foster a sense of community and collaboration, the new IT professor should be introduced to key stakeholders within the organization, such as other faculty members, department heads, and IT staff. This task can be performed by the HR department or a designated mentor, who would facilitate introductions and provide guidance on building professional relationships.

10. Professional Development Opportunities: Continuous learning and professional development are essential for IT professors to stay updated with the latest technologies and teaching methodologies. The HR department or a designated professional development coordinator would provide information on available training programs, conferences, and workshops that can enhance the IT professor’s skills and knowledge.

11. Review of Curriculum and Course Materials: The IT professor should have access to the curriculum and course materials relevant to their teaching responsibilities. This task involves providing the professor with syllabi, textbooks, online resources, and any other materials necessary for course delivery. The academic department or a designated curriculum coordinator would handle this task.

12. Introduction to Research Opportunities: In the field of IT, research is often an integral part of an IT professor’s role. The professor should be made aware of any ongoing research projects, funding opportunities, and collaboration possibilities within the organization. The academic department or a designated research coordinator would typically handle this task.

13. Introduction to Faculty Support Services: To ensure the IT professor receives the necessary support for their teaching and research activities, they should be introduced to faculty support services. This may include assistance with grant applications, research ethics, teaching evaluations, and administrative tasks. The academic department or a designated faculty support coordinator would perform this task.

14. Performance Expectations and Evaluation: Clear performance expectations and evaluation criteria should be communicated to the IT professor. This includes understanding teaching load, research output expectations, committee involvement, and any other responsibilities specific to the position. The academic department or a designated supervisor would typically handle this task, providing the necessary guidance and documentation.

15. Introduction to Student Support Services: The IT professor should be familiarized with the various student support services available within the institution, such as tutoring, counseling, disability services, and career guidance. This ensures the professor can refer students to the appropriate resources when needed. The academic department or a designated student support coordinator would handle this task.

16. Introduction to Institutional Policies and Governance: It is essential for the IT professor to understand the institution’s policies and governance structure, including academic regulations, faculty governance, and decision-making processes. The academic department or a designated representative would provide an overview of these policies, ensuring the professor is aware of their rights and responsibilities within the organization.

17. Introduction to Professional Associations and Conferences: To foster professional growth and networking opportunities, the IT professor should be introduced to relevant professional associations and conferences in the field of IT and education. The academic department or a designated mentor would provide information on joining associations and attending conferences, highlighting the benefits of professional involvement.

18. Review of Safety and Emergency Procedures: The IT professor should receive training on safety and emergency procedures specific to the institution, including evacuation plans, emergency contact information, and protocols for handling accidents or incidents. The HR department or a designated safety officer would typically handle this task, ensuring the professor’s safety and well-being.

19. Introduction to Institutional Culture and Values: To integrate into the organization’s culture, the IT professor should be introduced to the institution’s values, mission, and vision. This task involves providing an overview of the institution’s history, traditions, and core beliefs, fostering a sense of belonging and alignment with the organization’s goals. The HR department or a designated representative would perform this task.

20. IT Department Orientation: Lastly, the IT professor should receive an orientation specific to the IT department, including an introduction to the team, their roles and responsibilities, and any department-specific procedures or protocols. This task would be performed by the IT department, ensuring the professor feels welcomed and supported within their immediate work environment

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example It Professor checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new It Professor up to speed and working well in your Education team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.