CIT Teaching & Learning Unit

Welcome Meeting

A 1:1 welcome meeting between a new staff member and a member of the Induction and Early-Stage Mentoring team, is aimed at providing new staff with a warm welcome to the organisation. The meeting also offers guidance and support, and an opportunity for the new staff member, to ask questions and provide feedback, as they commence their journey with MTU.

Welcome Gatherings for New Staff

A special welcome gathering was designed to introduce new employees to MTU. These gatherings present the following opportunities for new MTU staff.

• Meet key team members and other new hires.
• Campus Tours: Get a guided tour of campus.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with colleagues in a relaxed setting.
• Q&A Sessions: Ask questions and get answers from experienced staff.

These events help new MTU staff feel welcomed, informed, and integrated.

Welcome gatherings took place on the following dates:

• Thursday, 7^th November 2024 - Student Gallery, MTU, Bishopstown, Cork
• Friday, 8^th November 2024 – HCT, North Campus, MTU, Kerry
• Thursday, 27^th February 2025 – HCT, North Campus, MTU, Kerry
• Friday, 28^th February 2025, James Barry Exhibition Centre, Bishopstown, MTU, Cork.

Induction Welcome Packs

Welcome packs are distributed to new staff. A welcome pack for new staff includes a collection of items provided by the TLU/MTU, to make new employees feel appreciated and part of the MTU team. Items included are as follows:

• MTU Merchandise: Branded items which include an MTU travel mug, MTU sustainable bag and MTU keyring.
• Office Supplies: Essential items included are MTU sticky notes, an MTU pen, and an MTU notepad and pencil.
• Informational Materials: Each welcome pack includes a hard copy of the MTU strategic plan.

These packs help new employees feel welcomed and equipped to start their journey with MTU.

Online Induction Programme

Online induction includes the delivery of several key components, to help new members of staff to get acquainted with MTU and essential processes. The online induction is delivered over two half days online via TEAMS.

The online induction includes:

• Welcome Message: A greeting from the Induction and Early-Stage Mentoring Team ensuring they feel welcomed to MTU.
• Overview of MTU: Information about the company's history, culture, structure, and strategic plan.
• IT Setup and IT Security: Instructions on how to set up and use company software, email, and other IT resources.
• HR Information: Details about payroll, benefits, leave policies, and other HR-related topics.
• Compliance Training: Mandatory training on topics like workplace safety, sustainability, equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Contact Information: Details on who to contact for support or further questions.

Online induction sessions were delivered on the following dates:

• Tuesday, 14^th January 2025 (9.00 AM – 1.00 PM)
• Wednesday, 15^th January 2025 (9.00 AM – 1.00 PM)
• Tuesday, 11^th March 2025 (9.00 AM – 1.00 PM)
• Wednesday, 12^th March 2025 (9.00 AM – 1.00 PM)

In person Induction days for new staff

In person induction days have been designed to ensure that new members of staff are presented with an opportunity to make personal connections with their peers and other more established MTU colleagues. Meeting various team members and fellow new staff members, in person, helps create a supportive network. The induction day provides, quick fun introductions, a welcome from the President/Member of University Executive and Informal networking opportunities over light morning and lunch refreshments. It provides practical information around MTU’s culture, helping new staff members better understand their working environment, training and development opportunities, and Health and Wellbeing resources.  New staff members will hear from an established member of staff, about their MTU journey. An open floor for new staff members will offer the opportunity to have any questions answered, with immediate feedback. Overall, the aim of this in-person induction day is to enhance the induction experience, making it more interactive and impactful.

Dates for delivery: two sessions will run during the month of May. One will be delivered in Kerry and one will be delivered in Cork. Dates to be confirmed.

Information Session for Managers

An information session for Heads of Departments and Heads of Units, regarding induction from the TLU, was designed and delivered to ensure that Heads of Departments and Heads of Units, are well-informed about the Induction process for new staff. This session included the following information.

• Overview of work completed and Resources and Tools available: Detailed explanation of the work conducted by the Induction and Early-Stage Mentoring Team and an overview of the Resources and Tools available to new staff which can assist in the induction process at local level.
• Roles and Responsibilities: Clarification on what is recommended from department heads and unit heads in supporting new staff.
• Q&A Session: Allowed HODs and HOUs to ask questions and discuss any concerns they may have.
• Best Practices: Sharing effective strategies for integrating new staff smoothly into their teams which included the recommendation that a mentoring co-ordinator would be appointed at local level.

These sessions help ensure that HODs and HOUs are equipped to support new MTU staff effectively, providing an effective induction experience at local level.

An information session was delivered to HODs/HOUs on the following date:

• Wednesday, 12^th of February 2025

Framework document for Local Induction

An Induction Framework Document provides Heads of Departments and Heads of Units, with an outline of the structure, content, and processes involved regarding the induction of a new member of staff, at local level. It includes the following information:

• It includes the goals of the Induction programme
• A timeline detailing the various stages of the induction process.
• Recommended topics to cover during the local induction process with new staff members.
• Roles and Responsibilities: An outline of the roles of the various staff members involved in the delivery of local induction.
• Lists of materials, tools, and resources available to support the induction.
• Approaches for evaluating the induction programme's effectiveness, incorporating feedback systems and performance indicators are recommended.

The framework document aims to ensure a consistent and effective local induction experience for new members of staff.

An in-person induction takes place during the month of May. This event will feature quick fun introductions, in-depth discussions pertinent to new staff which include MTU’s company culture and values, Health and Wellbeing, a showcase of a success story of an MTU staff member. It will offer new staff an opportunity for introductions and networking opportunities. A light lunch is provided to encourage networking and relationship building.

Induction Checklist:

A checklist for induction was developed for use at local level for Heads of Departments and Heads of Units. The checklist is a detailed list of tasks and activities that need to be completed to ensure a smooth and comprehensive induction process for new employees. It includes:

• Pre-arrival preparations
• First day activities
• First week activities
• Three-month activities
• Role Specific training
• Health and Safety
• Other relevant support

This checklist ensures that all essential steps are followed to integrate new staff members efficiently, enabling them to become effective in their roles as quickly as possible.