Public Policy Professor Onboarding Checklist

Public Policy Professor Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Public Policy 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 Public Policy Professor, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Public Policy Professor onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Public Policy Professor Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to the department: The department head or a designated faculty member should provide an overview of the department’s structure, goals, and expectations. This will help the new public policy professor understand their role within the department and how they can contribute to its mission.

2. Campus tour: A member of the administration or a designated faculty member should give the new professor a tour of the campus, highlighting important locations such as classrooms, offices, libraries, and other relevant facilities. This will help the professor familiarize themselves with the physical layout of the institution and its resources.

3. Introduction to colleagues: The department head or a designated faculty member should introduce the new professor to their colleagues, both within the department and across the institution. This will facilitate networking and collaboration opportunities, fostering a sense of community and support within the academic environment.

4. Review of curriculum: The department head or a designated faculty member should provide a comprehensive review of the curriculum for the public policy program, including course offerings, syllabi, and learning objectives. This will help the new professor understand the existing curriculum and identify potential areas for improvement or innovation.

5. Access to teaching materials: The department’s administrative staff should provide the new professor with access to teaching materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and other resources. This will enable the professor to prepare for their upcoming courses and ensure they have the necessary materials to deliver high-quality instruction.

6. Introduction to research opportunities: The department head or a designated faculty member should introduce the new professor to ongoing research projects, funding opportunities, and potential collaborators within the field of public policy. This will help the professor identify research areas of interest and establish connections with colleagues who share similar research interests.

7. Mentoring program: The department head or a designated faculty member should assign a mentor to the new professor, preferably someone with experience in the field of public policy. The mentor can provide guidance, support, and advice on navigating the academic environment, publishing research, and advancing their career.

8. Institutional policies and procedures: The human resources department should provide the new professor with an overview of the institution’s policies and procedures, including those related to academic integrity, student conduct, research ethics, and professional development. This will ensure that the professor is aware of and adheres to the institution’s guidelines and expectations.

9. Introduction to administrative systems: The department’s administrative staff should provide training on the institution’s administrative systems, such as the learning management system, student information system, and research grant management system. This will enable the professor to effectively manage their courses, track student progress, and access necessary administrative resources.

10. Faculty meetings and committees: The department head or a designated faculty member should inform the new professor about regular faculty meetings and departmental committees. Attending these meetings and participating in committees will allow the professor to contribute to departmental decision-making, stay informed about departmental initiatives, and collaborate with colleagues on various projects.

11. Student advising: The department head or a designated faculty member should provide guidance on student advising, including how to assist students in selecting courses, developing academic plans, and navigating their academic journey. This will help the professor support and guide students effectively, ensuring their success in the public policy program.

12. Professional development opportunities: The department head or a designated faculty member should inform the new professor about professional development opportunities, such as conferences, workshops, and seminars, both within the institution and in the broader academic community. Encouraging participation in these events will help the professor stay updated on the latest research and teaching practices in the field of public policy.

13. Introduction to institutional support services: The department head or a designated faculty member should introduce the new professor to various institutional support services, such as the library, IT services, research support offices, and student support services. This will ensure that the professor is aware of the resources available to them and can utilize them effectively to enhance their teaching and research.

14. Classroom technology training: The institution’s IT department or a designated faculty member should provide training on the use of classroom technology, such as projectors, audio systems, and interactive whiteboards. This will enable the professor to effectively utilize these tools during their lectures and enhance the learning experience for students.

15. Evaluation and feedback processes: The department head or a designated faculty member should explain the institution’s evaluation and feedback processes, including student evaluations, peer evaluations, and annual performance reviews. Understanding these processes will help the professor gauge their teaching effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and contribute to their professional growth.

16. Introduction to institutional values and mission: The department head or a designated faculty member should provide an overview of the institution’s values, mission, and strategic goals. This will help the new professor align their teaching and research activities with the institution’s vision and contribute to its overall mission.

17. Introduction to community engagement opportunities: The department head or a designated faculty member should inform the new professor about community engagement opportunities, such as partnerships with local organizations, public policy forums, and volunteer initiatives. Encouraging community engagement will help the professor connect theory with practice and make a positive impact beyond the academic realm.

18. Introduction to grant funding opportunities: The department head or a designated faculty member should provide information on grant funding opportunities in the field of public policy, both internal and external. This will help the professor secure research funding to support their scholarly activities and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field.

19. Introduction to institutional ethics review processes: The department head or a designated faculty member should explain the institution’s ethics review processes for research involving human subjects or sensitive data. This will ensure that the professor understands and complies with ethical guidelines when conducting research involving human participants.

20. Ongoing support and check-ins: The department head or a designated faculty member should schedule regular check-ins with the new professor to address any questions, concerns, or challenges they may have. Providing ongoing support and guidance will help the professor integrate into the institution smoothly and thrive in their role as a public policy professor

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Public Policy Professor checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Public Policy 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.