The University of Florida is committed to hiring and retaining unique and talented faculty. Deans and Department Heads need to be committed to creating a warm, welcoming environment that is free of unhealthy behaviors or norms.
- Meet with faculty regularly to provide and receive feedback
- Conduct satisfaction surveys
- Conduct “state of the department” surveys
- Examine data related to faculty appointments, promotions, and resignations for any gaps
- Review decision-making processes for any issues or assumptions
- Assess any behaviors or norms creating barriers to healthy cultures
- Warm and supportive environment
- Policies and practices that create the desired culture
- Transparency
- Follow-through on grievances or concerns
- Mentoring structures to connect faculty to the community
- Hold regular feedback meetings
- Provide tools and skills for success
- Provide opportunities for training, programs, conferences, campus governance, etc.
Faculty Career Stages and Opportunities
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Junior Faculty |
Midcareer Faculty |
Senior Faculty |
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Hold annual tenure and promotion process trainings/information sessions. Communicate available resources. Hold regular meetings for college or unit-wide new faculty cohorts. |
Have thorough conversations with faculty to make sure they are meeting research checkpoints to meet tenure requirements. Hold high-level tenure and promotion process trainings/information sessions. Discuss the importance of mentorship of junior faculty. |
Discuss ways to expand senior faculty’s research. Connect new faculty with senior faculty. Communicate that you value the new ideas that “junior” faculty bring to the institution. |
For a full text version of the 9 Month Best Practices that can be customized: Onboarding101_Faculty_6_NineMonths