Understanding Probation
I've been appointed on probation. What do I have to do?
Most academics are appointed to UTS with three years probation. Most successfully complete this period and become continuously appointed. It isn't a mysterious process. You complete your probation through achieving the plan that you agree with your academic supervisor. Within a month of beginning work, you'll meet with your academic supervisor for a formal planning discussion where you'll begin to document what you're expected to achieve. You'll discuss the university's expectations of your work, your goals and intentions and any development activities which would enhance your performance or career. It's useful to have a look at the Record of Planning Discussion form, available from the Human Resources Unit website, and think about your academic career goals and any development needs before you have your formal planning meeting.
How do the probation process and the development program for new academic staff relate to each other?
The two processes should complement each other: probation processes focus on your work and performance in relation to the needs of UTS and include aspects of formal performance review. The development program is intended to focus on your professional development and to support you in achieving your negotiated probation plan.
For you to get the most benefit it is useful for you to consider the two processes in relation to each other. As part of your probation planning discussion with your academic supervisor, you'll discuss your development needs and the forms of support your academic unit will provide. Your participation in the development program should be discussed in this initial planning meeting. When you discuss the development program in more detail, which may occur later in your first six months at UTS, you can plan your development activities so that they help you to achieve your plans. For example, if you've agreed with your academic supervisor that you'll redevelop a subject, you can plan to do the Course design and assessment subject in the Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Learning and Teaching and plan time for subject design into your development program. If you've agreed to apply for research grants, you can plan to participate in grants workshops and plan time for application writing. You can use your academic portfolio to document your achievements and provide evidence when it comes time for your probation reviews.