Here is a list of questions to ask your department chair (or their designee) when you meet. Not all of these questions will apply.
- What are the important departmental policies that you should know and where can you find them? Every department is required to have a departmental policy that lists the criteria for tenure and promotion. Ask for yours.
- Ask about the department’s mentoring practice. Note that the assignment of a mentor is required for assistant professors. Your department should have a mentoring policy. Ask for yours.
- Ask how your department promotes Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA). Each department is required to recognize and reward DEIA efforts in the faculty review process if present in the dossier. Ask your Chair to provide you with examples of what this might look like in your research, teaching and service.
- Find out whom to contact for help with student emergencies and challenges.
- What are the department’s practices and expectations about missing classes or meetings due to illness, family emergencies or travel?
- Who is your library specialist?
- Find out how committees are assigned and ask what would be a reasonable amount of service for you (if service is part of your position).
- Ask for a department organization chart. If the chart does not include staff, ask for information about which staff members assist with which tasks.
- Find out where the office supplies are located and how to request them.
- Locate the copiers in the department, and determine who can assist you with making copies.
- How is lab space assigned and whom do you see about this?
- Does your department have a way to apply for (1) research money; (2) travel to conferences or research sites; (3) money to bring in a speaker or organize a conference?
- Does the department have someone to help with grant submission and/or fellowship applications? If not, where can you receive this help?
- Find out the senator who represents you in UMBC’s Faculty Senate and whom you can approach with ideas.