5.1. Induction and Orientation: Professional Staff and Research Assistants Grade 1

^{(Updated: July 2006)}

5.1.1. Overview

A good induction promotes positive perceptions about the workplace, helps the new staff member's adjustment to the job and their professional development. There are two components to effective induction: Workplace Induction and University Induction and Orientation. This entry provides a summary of the induction and orientation procedures, and the strategies for ensuring that every new staff member undertakes an appropriate program.

Human Resources has produced a best practice guide, Best HR Practice: Induction and a Supervisors Checklist. The checklist is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.hr.unimelb.edu.au/best-practice-unionly/induction-checklist.pdf.

5.1.2. References

• Best HR Practice Kit: Induction for Professional Staff-Making a Great First Impression http://www.hr.unimelb.edu.au/aboutus/best_practice_kits.

• Council Minutes - September 1997

5.1.3. Policy

5.1.3.1. Definitions

Workplace Induction includes:

• procedures in new staff member's workplace;

• functions of local workplace;

• duties and responsibilities;

• workplace rules;

• use of equipment;

• contact with key service providers or clients.

Workplace Induction can be helped by using the Supervisor's Checklist, available from the Staff Development Unit of Human Resources and on the World Wide Web: http://www.hr.unimelb.edu.au/aboutus/best_practice_kits.

5.1.3.2. Formal Induction and Orientation

Formal Induction and Orientation are provided in two ways:

• by the Staff Development Unit through Professional Orientation Workshops. It is mandatory that all new staff attend an Orientation Workshop; and

• payroll induction by Human Resources.

5.1.3.3. General Orientation Workshop

The General Orientation Workshops include:

• an overview of the organisational structure of the University of Melbourne;

• information about University priorities and key targets;

• a brief history of the University;

• an explanation of the direction the University is now taking and the challenges it faces in the current environment;

• information about a range of services provided for University clients, e.g. Property and Campus Services, Library, Sport and Physical Recreation Centre, MTC, Counselling Service, training courses;

• information about the Human Resources Department;

• employee rights and responsibilities;

• an overview of the information technology systems within the University and training available;

• a short presentation on some of the environmental, health and safety issues on campus;

• an opportunity to ask questions.

5.1.3.4. Payroll Induction

The payroll induction is completed in the Department for most new members of staff.

The staff member should arrange to visit Human Resources to receive a staff card, once all the payroll paperwork has been completed.

5.1.4. Procedures

5.1.4.1. Payroll Induction by Human Resources

The new staff member either receives notification of an appointment with a Human Resources Officer with their letter of appointment or arranges to complete the following paperwork within their Department.

Staff attending Payroll Induction must bring to the interview:

• a HR5-Employee Registration Form available from the Department and authorised by the Head of Department;

• details of bank account numbers;

• tax file number; and

• proof of date of birth.

5.1.4.2. General Orientation Workshops

New members of staff are advised of the Professional Orientation Workshops in two ways:

• a pamphlet is provided in the Payroll Induction Kit; and

• a letter of invitation to the Professional Orientation Workshop is sent by the Staff Development Unit.

Please remember - attendance at the Professional Orientation Workshop is compulsory.

5.1.4.3. Workplace Induction

It is recommended that Supervisors of new staff members use the Supervisor's Checklist when inducting new staff to the workplace. The Checklist is available in hard copy from the Staff Development Unit, in hard copy in the Payroll Induction Kit for the new staff member, and on the World Wide Web. The Web copy can be modified by Supervisors to suit any special conditions existing in specific workplaces.

5.1.4.4. Monitoring induction and orientation of new staff

Faculty General Managers have agreed to monitor the induction and orientation of new professional staff and Research Assistants Grade 1. Each month a printout from Human Resources will advise FGMs of new starters in departments in their faculty. The FGMs will follow up with supervisors or heads of department to ensure that induction, orientation and attendance at the Professional Orientation Workshop has occurred.

Created: September 1995
Last Modified: 22 October 2008
Authorised by: Web & Administrative Officer, Human Resources.