Resource Guide for Recruiting Excellent and Diverse Faculty
IV. AFTER THE SEARCH PROCESS
Evaluation of the Search Process
Retention Strategies
Preparing for Faculty Member's First Day
Retention Plan
Evaluation of the Search Process
By conducting an evaluation, the Dean of the college, department chair, and the search committee are able to examine the strengths and weaknesses of the search process. Questions regarding the selection process, on-campus interviews, and timelines can be reviewed to provide direction on future searches and to assess the process (see Appendix 6).
Retention Strategies
The search process is comprised of three main components: before, during and after the search. Generally, much attention and effort are focused on issues associated with the first two phases. It is imperative that those involved in the hiring process understand the relevance of post-search activities in terms of the role the search plays in retaining new employees. The strategies listed below should assist departments in demonstrating their commitment to cultivating and maintaining a welcoming environment for new employees.
Preparing for Faculty Member's First Day
- Be sure all paperwork is in order and ready for final signatures.
- Be sure the faculty member's office is clean and ready for use.
- Make sure the department chair or designee greets the new faculty member upon arrival.
- Direct or guide the new faculty member to the appropriate places to sign forms, obtain university ID, parking pass, recreation facility pass, etc.
- Arrange for assistance in moving boxes and equipment into the new office or lab.
- Invite the new faculty member to lunch or to participate in midday recreation activities.
- Make sure someone is available to provide advice and answer questions as needed.
- Possible items to have for new faculty's first day at work:
Appropriate keys, copy cards, long distance codes, office supplies
Coffee mug from campus bookstore (perhaps filled with candy, pens, pencils)
Tickets to cultural/ recreational activity on campus or in the community
Academic calendar (in office), campus telephone book, Ames telephone book
Book about the history of the institution
Copies of local newspapers
Information about telephones, email, computer services, etc.
Campus map and map of Ames, marked with places to find lunch
Retention Plan
| First Week | First Six Months | First Year | Second Year | Third Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Assign a mentor (Information under new faculty) http://www.provost.iastate.edu |
Meet with new faculty and mentor to assess the first six months and review the PRS. | Conduct an annual review with new hire and mentor. | Annual review to discuss progress with the department chair. | Annual review to discuss progress with the department chair. |
|
Share benefit information http://www.hrs.iastate.edu/ hrs/node/127 |
Take new faculty member to lunch within the first month. | Contact assigned mentor to address issues or concerns each year. | Contact assigned mentor to address issues or concerns. | Contact assigned mentor to address issues or concerns. |
| Explain departmental procedures such as p- cards, copy cards, etc. | Schedule a time to meet with the Dean. | Preparation for mid-career P&T review. | ||
|
Inform them of websites such as Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) http://www.celt.iastate.edu /homepage.html Office of the Provost www.provost.iastate.edu Project LEARN and Computer Technologies www.it.iastate.edu/ eLibrary http://www.lib.iastate.edu/ |
Share some of the highlights of Iowa State University such as: Tea Room www.aeshm.hs.iastate.edu /tearoom/ Reiman Gardens www.reimangardens.iastate.edu /index.cfm M-Shop www.m-shop.com/ Brunnier Art Gallery www.museums.iastate.edu |
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| Provide dates/announcements for new faculty orientation, department retreats, etc. | Explain how to access professional development funds, how to handle travel funds, etc. |
