Academic teacher induction in a multiple campus university environment 2: engagement in professional development

Significant changes occurring in the Higher education sector in Australia since 2009 regarding academic teaching standards, pressure to publish, maintaining currency with technology and achieving secure employment appear to affect the inclination of new academics to participate in short term professional development. ‘Just in time’ or staged approaches that address a pathway to build learning and teaching experience during a semester would be more viable as it supports staff in their new academic role while at the same time addressing barriers facing new academics. It is hoped that by sharing our experience at the Australian Catholic University (ACU) and seeking feedback from the global community, we can create opportunities to integrate this staged approach to complement face to face workshops and provide improved support for our new academic teachers by helping them develop their sense of identity in their new teaching roles.