Information - Academic Staff
Employment Information
The Academic Staff - Employee Manual is the source of information pertaining to employment matters for all academic and academic research staff at UNSW.
Research Publications - ResPubs
ResPubs is a database on university research output and is administered by UNSW Library. The database stores information about your publications, is used to display citations on your personal page on the UNSW Research Gateway and adds copies to the university's repository 'UNSWorks'. Your school/centre administrative staff will assist you in gaining access to the system and show you how to use it, once you have access you can update your publication information. ResPubs is also used to report research publication output through Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) and the Higher Education Research Data Collection (HERDC). Schools/ Faculties use the information held in ResPubs to support grant applications.
For further information contact your Faculty Outreach Librarian or research-publications@unsw.edu.au.
Academic Promotion
Click here for more information about academic promotion.
Special Studies Program
A Special Studies Program (SSP) is a period of release from normal duties to engage in research or other scholarly work or to undertake a project related to teaching or to academic administration.
Click here for more information about the criteria and application procedure period of SSP.
Internal Release
Special Studies Program (SSP) policy does not permit the staff member to be based on the home campus, Internal Release may be used as a substitute for a Special Studies Program (SSP).
Internal Release is a term used to describe the release of a member of the academic staff from all teaching and administrative commitments for a period of at least six weeks for the purpose of undertaking a period of research based at the staff member's home campus.
Click here for more information about internal release.
Performance Review
Probationary Period
It is a common procedure at UNSW for newly appointed academic staff to have the continuing status of their appointment confirmed after a period of time during which their ability to perform the duties of the position is assessed. During your probationary period your supervisor will assess your performance to ensure that you are making the necessary progress. You must ensure that you make every effort to attain the relevant knowledge and skills that you need to ensure your performance is satisfactory. There is a lot of support around the university to help you do this including having regular discussions with your supervisor. It is recommended that you create an action plan for your probationary period at UNSW.
When will I be reviewed?
As a new Academic staff member, you should have a probationary review after 6 months and then a further review at the end of 12 months. You should discuss this with your supervisor and agree a schedule for when your reviews will occur. Your probation review discussions should be documented using the New Academic Staff Probation (HR55)
For further information about the UNSW Academic probation policy, please see the HR website. Your HR Consultant and supervisor are also available for advice.
Ongoing Performance Review
The performance of academic staff members is reviewed as part of the processes associated with incremental progression, accelerated progression, appointment review, promotion and Head of School appointment - reappointment.

