Post Hiring Best Practices Welcoming and Preparing New Faculty Ron Halterman Professor and Chair, Chemistry and Biochemistry Past Chair, Campus Tenure Committee

Implementing Best Practices: Transition to OU The transition into a new faculty position is a key step to realizing the department goals presented in the request to hire. At this point in the process, the unit has developed clear plans and goals, the search committee has asked the proper questions, and the right candidate has been hired with the proper resources. Going forward, the candidate will progress best when clear faculty development procedures are in place. During this transition period, we should: •Help new hires feel welcomed, valued and respected; •Provide them with clear information about expectations and faculty development procedures; •Assure them that they are responsible for their decisions, but you will provide insight into parameters from your perspective

Transition to Norman After the faculty hire has committed to OU Norman, help them feel welcomed, valued and respected. •Encourage faculty to contact new hire with welcome messages •Be sure to process travel claims promptly •Help with realtor introductions and housing trip as needed •Arrange faculty / family dinner as appropriate during housing trip •Discuss initial teaching assignments as appropriate •Facilitate faculty teaching contacts as teaching assignment is set •Work to set up pre-ordering of large research items as appropriate •Make sure office (lab/research) space is readied •Expedite work permit if needed •Let them know where to go when they arrive •Celebrate their arrival with your faculty, staff and students (Welcome reception, web home page highlight, etc)

Preparing for the 1st Year and Beyond •Provide clear scaffolding for their transition activities (see handouts for New Faculty Information, Sample PTT letter, Tenure Template) –Meet in the first week to discuss procedures and expectations •Office personnel, accounting, teaching, mentoring, student recruiting •Discuss evaluation procedures and sample PTT letter •Discuss activities for tenure timeline template •Make introductions with VPR-CRPDE office