Orientation to Academia: The Socialization of New Faculty

Abstract

Canadian schools have enjoyed an association with universities since the early 1920's (Street, 1973, p. 126). In the university system generally, appointments are offered to individuals prepared at doctoral level. Such persons tend to be familiar with the university milieu and the general expectations of academia. Because of the shortage of doctorally prepared nurses in Canada, the greater number of faculty appointments are of individuals prepared at the master's level. Each year substantial numbers of baccalaureate graduates are appointed on a sessional or short term basis (CAUSN, 1980, p. 3). Once an appointment is accepted, it is to the advantage of the employer to facilitate effective functioning of the appointee as speedily as possible. Depending on the nature of the appointment, effective functioning may include not only teaching responsibilities but also the mind set necessary to step forward on the long road toward tenure.