Read Me First!

What: Before you commence teaching there are lots of details about classrooms, pay, emails etc that you will want to get sorted. There are also things like making sure that key phone numbers are saved in your phone, understanding emergency procedures etc.

Why: Once you get all these details sorted, you’ll be able to concentrate on the more important aspects of learning and teaching both in and out of the classroom.

How: Meet with your Course Coordinator and/or Program Manager to ask about anything you don’t yet understand or need access to.

Things You May Want to Ask About and/or Check:

Getting Set Up ‘in the system’?

• Have you accepted your appointment in Employee Self Service (ESS) after negotiating hours with your Course/Program Manager? Do you have an e-number (employee number?)
• Do you have an RMIT email address?
• Do you have an RMIT staff card?
• Do you have access to your class Canvas shell (the Learning Management System)?
• Have Human Resources got your banking details?

Hours and Pay

• When do you get paid?
• Do you lodge your hours in a system or is it automatic?
• Do you get paid for any training or inductions?
• What happens if you are sick and can’t teach?
• Are you clear about your contact hours?

What You Are Expected to Do

• Do you participate in School or College staff meetings?
• Do you attend lectures (if you are employed as a tutor)?
• Are you meant to be available for student consultation outside scheduled class times?
• Do you assess and grade students’ assignments and/or mark exam papers?
• Do you need to complete and induction/specific training/ compliance education modules?

Resources You Might Need

On Campus

• Do you know where your classroom is and have you checked what’s in it?
• Do you have a desk or area to work in?
• Have you been shown where the staffroom is — where you can get a cup of coffee?
• Do you need stationery (please don’t use your own!)?
• Do you need a laptop?
• Have you been shown where the printer/photocopier is and how to use it?

Online

• Have you been introduced to Canvas (the LMS) and know how to use it?
• Are you comfortable using MS Teams and/or Collaborate Ultra?
• Have you got a good desk setup at home?
• A good internet connection?

Your Course

• Have you read your course guide? Have you familiarised yourself with learning outcomes and assessment requirements of your course?
• Have you spoken to the course coordinator about how they want the course delivered?
• Do you know the important dates for the academic year?
• Do you need any specific resources or materials?

Policy and Procedures

• Do you know what to do in the event of an emergency in your classroom or on campus?
• Do you know how to access relevant policies and guidelines that may affect you such as intellectual property, harassment, OHS etc.?
• Do you know the student complaints procedure?

Important points:

• Regularly check your RMIT email and reply to student queries in a timely manner
• Maintain contact with the Course Coordinator during the semester and communicate or escalate any issues you may be having regarding your workload, student issues or other concerns.

And a tip:

• Take a water bottle to class. You won’t BELIEVE how thirsty you’ll get.