Zoology Professor Onboarding Checklist

Zoology Professor Onboarding Process

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

Zoology Professor Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new Zoology Professor attends an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the university’s policies, procedures, and campus facilities. This task is typically performed by the Human Resources department or a designated orientation coordinator.

2. Introduction to Department: The new professor is introduced to the Zoology department faculty and staff. They are provided with an overview of the department’s structure, ongoing research projects, and teaching responsibilities. This task is usually performed by the department chair or a senior faculty member.

3. Review of Course Materials: The professor is given access to the course materials for the courses they will be teaching. They review syllabi, textbooks, lecture notes, and any other relevant resources. This task is typically performed by the department administrative staff or the course coordinator.

4. Classroom Setup: The professor visits their assigned classrooms and laboratories to ensure they are properly equipped with necessary teaching aids, such as projectors, microscopes, and specimens. They may also arrange the seating layout and organize teaching materials. This task is performed by the professor themselves, with assistance from department staff if needed.

5. Curriculum Review: The professor reviews the existing curriculum for the Zoology program, including course descriptions, learning outcomes, and assessment methods. They may suggest updates or modifications based on their expertise and the latest research in the field. This task is performed by the professor in collaboration with the department curriculum committee.

6. Meeting with Colleagues: The professor schedules meetings with their colleagues to discuss ongoing research projects, potential collaborations, and teaching strategies. These meetings help foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for knowledge sharing. This task is performed by the professor in coordination with their colleagues.

7. Introduction to Research Facilities: If the professor will be conducting research, they are given a tour of the research facilities, including laboratories, animal care facilities, and field research sites. They are introduced to the research support staff and provided with necessary access and training. This task is performed by the research facilities manager or a designated staff member.

8. Review of Institutional Policies: The professor familiarizes themselves with the university’s policies related to research ethics, animal care and use, intellectual property, and academic integrity. They ensure compliance with these policies in their research and teaching activities. This task is performed by the professor in collaboration with the department administration and compliance officers.

9. Introduction to Administrative Systems: The professor is introduced to the university’s administrative systems, such as the learning management system, student information system, and research grant management system. They receive training on how to use these systems effectively for teaching, grading, and research purposes. This task is performed by the IT department or a designated system administrator.

10. Mentorship Program: The professor is assigned a mentor, typically a senior faculty member, who provides guidance and support during their initial period at the university. The mentor helps the new professor navigate the department’s culture, policies, and expectations. This task is performed by the department chair or a designated mentorship coordinator.

11. Teaching Observation: The new professor is observed while teaching a class by a senior faculty member or a teaching assistant. Feedback is provided to help improve their teaching techniques, classroom management, and student engagement. This task is performed by the department teaching committee or a designated teaching mentor.

12. Professional Development Opportunities: The professor is informed about professional development opportunities, such as conferences, workshops, and seminars, that can enhance their teaching and research skills. They are encouraged to participate in these activities to stay updated with the latest advancements in the field. This task is performed by the department administration or a designated professional development coordinator.

13. Introduction to Support Services: The professor is introduced to various support services available on campus, such as the library, academic advising, counseling services, and career development center. They are provided with information on how to access these services and refer students when needed. This task is performed by the department administration or a designated support services coordinator.

14. Departmental Meetings: The professor attends departmental meetings to stay informed about departmental updates, ongoing projects, and upcoming events. These meetings provide an opportunity to collaborate with colleagues and contribute to departmental decision-making. This task is performed by the department chair or a designated meeting coordinator.

15. Building Relationships with Students: The professor engages in activities to build relationships with students, such as attending student organization meetings, hosting office hours, and participating in student events. This helps create a positive learning environment and fosters student engagement. This task is performed by the professor themselves, with support from the department administration if needed.

16. Review of Safety Protocols: The professor reviews the safety protocols and procedures specific to their research and teaching activities. They ensure compliance with safety regulations and provide necessary training to students involved in their research projects. This task is performed by the professor in collaboration with the department safety officer or a designated safety coordinator.

17. Introduction to Grant Opportunities: The professor is provided with information on grant opportunities and funding agencies relevant to their research area. They are guided on how to prepare grant proposals and navigate the grant application process. This task is performed by the department research committee or a designated research support officer.

18. Introduction to Institutional Committees: The professor is introduced to various institutional committees, such as the faculty senate, curriculum committee, and research ethics board. They may be encouraged to serve on these committees to contribute to the university’s governance and decision-making processes. This task is performed by the department chair or a designated committee coordinator.

19. Review of Tenure and Promotion Criteria: If applicable, the professor reviews the tenure and promotion criteria specific to their institution. They understand the expectations and requirements for achieving tenure and advancing in their academic career. This task is performed by the professor in collaboration with the department chair or a designated tenure and promotion committee.

20. Ongoing Professional Development: The professor engages in ongoing professional development activities, such as attending workshops, publishing research articles, and presenting at conferences. They continuously update their knowledge and skills to excel in their role as a Zoology Professor. This task is performed by the professor themselves, with support from the department administration if needed

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

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