Sessional staff are a vital and valued constituent of the University's workforce. As for all new staff, sessionals need to be introduced systematically to the organisation and their new job, colleagues and the work area.
UniSC has a strong reputation in teaching, having consistently been awarded five stars for teaching quality and student satisfaction by the Good Universities Guide over many years.
The University's Strategic Plan makes clear the importance placed on delivering high quality teaching, learning and graduate outcomes. Our sessional staff are key to achieving these outcomes.
This component of the induction process aims to introduce you to key aspects of the University's operations. It includes sections that are mandatory because of legislated compliance requirements.
There's a lot of information to absorb and some of the mandatory sections have to be completed before or soon after you commence. We are providing it online so it is accessible and available whenever you want or need it.
Schools also have an important role to inducting new sessional staff and each School organises opportunities for sessional staff to get together and be inducted into School operations and key people and processes.
The Centre for Support and Advancement of Learning (CSALT) also organises professional development activities each semester.
We would like to welcome you to the University of the Sunshine Coast and hope you find your teaching experience enjoyable and rewarding.
To help you get started, this part of the induction will guide you through the necessities for your first week.
We encourage you to investigate all alternative travel methods to and from work. If you do choose to drive then you will need a parking permit to park in any of the allocated staff car parks at the Sunshine Coast campus.
More information about parking and applying for a parking ePermit.
Your staff ID/access card can be used for a number of purposes. ID/access cards can identify you as a staff member, be used to borrow books from the library and allow access to secured buildings within the University for your specific area permissions.
Visit SafeUSC to have your photograph taken and ID/access card prepared.
You will receive your network login username and password by email. Contact your Course Coordinator or School Administration Officer if you have submitted all of your People and Culture forms and proof of identification and have not received this email.
Canvas is the Learning Management System (LMS) used by UniSC. The system provides an online site for each USC course where students can access material, communicate with staff and students and participate in activities.
Canvas is accessible at https://learn.usc.edu.au/
Canvas 24/7 support is available on 07 5345 6684 or Search the Canvas Guides to find answers to common questions.
MyUniSC (staff login required) is the staff intranet and contains University news, content relevant to teaching and working at UniSC, research, supporting students and much more.
Shared network drives can be accessed through MyUniSC – regardless of whether you are on or off campus.
Everything you need to know about working at UniSC is on MyUniSC.
USC Staff provides you with online access to your timesheets, payslips, payment summaries and personal details. You can update details such as your address, contact phone numbers and emergency contacts.
The University's Code of Conduct reaffirms the University's commitment to the ethics principles detailed in the Queensland Public Sector Ethics Act 1994, by making clear that all staff are required to abide by this code, and behave professionally and with respect and consideration of others.
You are obligated to familiarise yourself with, and adhere to, the Code of Conduct and other relevant University policies. This requirement extends to the Enterprise Agreement, as varied from time to time.
UniSC teaching staff must ensure they understand and comply with the restrictions and obligations of University policy, copyright legislation and commercial contracts when including third-party content in teaching material.
Information Management Services is available to provide best practice training and guidance for all staff.
Teaching staff should contact their School Librarian for advice and assistance when developing course readings.
For detailed information about using copyright material, see the copyright pages on the staff intranet, MyUniSC (staff login required).
The University's Disability Action Plan supports the fundamental right of students with disabilities to participate in all aspects of university life on the same basis as their peers.
It is committed to delivering an online experience that is as accessible as possible for the widest range of visitors, including those using adaptive and assistive technologies.
For detailed information about creating accessible digital content, see the Web accessibility pages on the staff intranet, MyUniSC (staff login required).
UniSC has a variety of initiatives to enable our students to realise their fullest academic and personal potential. The Student Engagement page on MyUniSC (staff login required) contains information, strategies and resources for staff to assist them with engaging and retaining their students.
As part of your induction, we require you to complete the following modules to ensure you understand the responsibilities of staff at UniSC regarding health, safety and wellbeing and equity.
UniSC is committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of all staff, students, visitors, volunteers and contractors.
As a sessional staff member you are required to complete relevant work health and safety training.
There are two modules on the health, safety and wellbeing web page that are compulsory and must be completed on commencement of work (within 0 – 5 days of employment) and then annually.
UniSC is committed to the principles of equity and freedom from discrimination in employment and education.
EO Online supports this commitment to equity through a comprehensive self-paced, online training program about equal opportunity and legal responsibilities.
The interactive program is available for all staff of the University. EO Online training must be completed as soon as practicable after commencement of employment and then every two years.
All UniSC staff who interact directly with international students must be aware of the University's obligation under the ESOS framework and the potential implications for students arising from the exercise of these obligations.
Getting to know UniSC and how the University operates will help you in your role. The links below give you information about the UniSC community.
Professional development workshops and other activities are coordinated through the Centre for Support and Advancement of Learning and Teaching (CSALT). The aims are to:
- encourage and support effective learning and teaching practices
- foster commitment to the University's programs and courses
- recognise the contribution of sessional staff
For additional details, please read the Professional learning & advancement information on MyUniSC [staff login required].
Our Strategic Plan is clear about the integral role staff play in meeting the challenges of advancing UniSC's institutional capability and capacity.
To ensure you have the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in your work, the University is committed to investing in a comprehensive range of staff development programs and activities.
A range of activities are offered through the staff development calendar (staff login required).
To register your interest or enquire about current or new staff development opportunities, email staffdevt@usc.edu.au.
The Vice-Chancellor and President's Awards for Excellence provide opportunities to recognise and reward exceptional performance and achievements that are well beyond reasonable expectations in the key areas of: learning and teaching; research; engagement and service.
One of the awards is specifically for sessional staff in the category of Excellence in Learning and Teaching (Sessional staff).
For more information refer to the Vice-Chancellor and President's Awards for Excellence - Operational Policy and procedures. View past Award recipients.