Our staff and students come from a great variety of places, so we understand that finding your feet in a new city or University can be tricky. To help, we've gathered a few items to get you started.
Students - Scholarships and Assistance
If you come from an underrepresented community and are considering studying with SBBS the University has a number of options that may be of help. In 2018, UCD was designated a University of Sanctuary in recognition of its initiatives welcoming refugees and asylum seekers into the University community, including offering free placement for members of these groups who qualify to study at UCD but cannot afford fees. Click the following link to read more about this pilot scheme: http://www.ucd.ie/registry/admissions/RAS.html.
UCD also offers competitive undergraduate scholarships to underrepresented groups including members of the Travelling Community. You can find out more at https://www.ucd.ie/all/supports/scholarshipsfinancialsupports/cothromnafeinnescholarships2018/. Applicants must be new entrants to UCD (first years) who have accepted an offer to pursue a full-time undergraduate programme of study. If you are interested in pursuing a course in SBBS please don’t hesitate to contact us for further advice and guidance.
Researchers - UCD
You should receive a checklist with your contract covering essentials such as getting a staff card and registering with UCD's IT Services. Once you have set yourself up, your PI or supervisor will introduce you to those elements of the School most relevent to your project or area.
UCD runs regular orientation events for new researchers to help familiarise them with the University. We recommend you reserve a place at the earliest opportunity by booking at http://www.ucd.ie/learninganddevelopment/upcomingcourses/. There is also a dedicated one-day Postdoc orientation session where you will be introduced to Postdoc-specific supports and opportunities as well as the UCD Research Careers Framework. You can book your place at http://www.ucd.ie/learninganddevelopment/newstafffaculty/postdocspecificorientationprogramme/
Once you are settled in, you will work with your PI to establish a Research Skills and Career Development roadmap to achieve what you need from your time at UCD to advance your career.
We also advise incoming researchers to consult UCD's Postdoc Handbook, which features a range of advice from researchers and mentors on practical matters such as career scoping, engagement and outreach, and how to progress your personal and professional development while at UCD. You can find a copy at http://www.ucd.ie/researchcareers/trainingdevelopmentopportunities/
SBBS
At School level, you will receive a 'local' induction checklist which you should complete with your Head of School or PI. This will help you to cover essentials such as locating various facilities and labs, how to access them, and key members of SBBS staff. It also serves as a way of getting to know your fellow researchers and where to find the nicest coffee! For more, see Local Induction Checklist SBBS
If you are arriving from overseas, we can also provide a postdoc guidebook offering advice on practical matters such as setting up a bank account, getting a social security number, or securing accommodation. For a copy, please contact your PI.
Professional Development
Postdocs are entitled to 3 professional development days a year as part of UCD’s Research Careers Framework and we strongly encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities by engaging with UCD’s Career Development Centre. This service provides a number of supports and resources that will help you enhance your skills and develop your career. Postdocs can also take advantage of UCD Innovation and Research Services, where they will find assistance with research proposals, skills and careers consultancy.
New Staff and Faculty
You should receive a checklist with your contract covering essentials such as getting a staff card and registering with UCD's IT Services. UCD runs regular orientation events for new staff to familiarise them with the University and ensure they get the most out of their time here. These half-day sessions will be advertised to you upon joining the University, and we recommend you reserve a place at the earliest opportunity by booking at http://www.ucd.ie/learninganddevelopment/newstafffaculty/ucdorientation/
Technical and Administrative staff will receive local induction from their line manager. This will be tailored to the specific needs of their role and duties, but will also include items general to the School such as key members of staff, facilities, and the various social/community events we run regularly.
Newly appointed Assistant Professor development programme
SBBS is also part of a pilot development programme designed for newly appointed Assistant Professors in the Colleges of Science and Social Sciences & Law. It aims to assist these appointees form new relationships upon joining UCD and work out a professional development path to enhance their career progression and work satisfaction. SBBS is delighted to be one of the first Schools to take part in this exciting venture, and will continue to support new our new Assistant Professors in participating.
The programme concentrates on:
- orientating new Assistant Professors to the expectations of their role and the strategic direction of the School and College
- supporting them in their current and future career and professional development
- delivering on the three core areas of the Faculty Development Framework: Research, Scholarship, & Impact; Teaching & Learning; Leadership & Contribution
It drives these outcomes by focussing on three key elements:
- Mentoring - to support the professional growth of an individual in the early stages of their career and to promote excellent in the core areas of Faculty Development
- Development opportunities - to offer new Assistant professors choice to tailor their development to suit their professional and personal needs
- Networking - to create peer networks and foster interdisciplinary relationships
New Assistant Professors can sign up for these events on UCD's Infohub booking system and take advantage of opportunities to meet, collaborate, learn, and exchange with a host of colleagues.
Community
SBBS enjoys a good community spirit, and we are expanding our social activities as part of our Athena Swan submission. We will provide updates on this across the year.
The School runs informal coffee mornings every second Friday in the Conway Institute where faculty, researchers, and staff can come together and socialise. Keep an eye out for reminders about these from our School Manager, Dr Heather Wood!
In September 2018 SBBS will launch a new monthly postdoctoral forum, providing an informal community space for researchers to exchange advice, experience, and news on funding oportunities or advances in research. If you are considering or are about to join SBBS please get in touch through your proposed PI.