Danielle Blog

First Week of Work

Ah, the weekend. I just had my first week of work and thought I would tell you a little bit about it.

It was mostly filled with orientation, faculty activities, and lots of getting things set up like my ID, parking pass, email, website for students to view the course, etc. I think I had a half day where I wasn’t dealing with stuff like that.

The craziest part of the week is that my office wasn’t ready. My office is the room where the vending machines were located. And for annoying reasons that had to deal with bureaucracy mostly, the vending machines were still present on my first days of work. The associate provost actually apologized to me and told me his own frustrations in trying to get it taken care of. Finally, on Thursday, the vending machines were moved into the hallway, my room was painted, blinds were installed in the window, and the floor was in the initial stages of being taken care of. I picked out furniture on Friday which should be delivered on Monday. I also get my computer on Monday if all goes well.

The enjoyable parts of my week included several things.
1. My department chair is exceptionally friendly, easy to work with, and understanding. She is also good about being organized. I suppose you have to be if you are a chair.

2. I had a very enjoyable set of tours of the campuses. Yes, two. I’d rather not go into it here. But suffice to say, there is some beautiful architecture on campus.

3. There was a faculty picnic that was very nice. It was a good social event where I began to get to know some of the faculty in my department. And some outside of the department too.

4. I have great neighbors (for my new office). Very helpful, welcoming, and kind.

5. Yes, I have a window in my office! It even has ivy peeking around the edges, which is really nice. Photos will be forthcoming once I get settled in and I can show you “before and after” shots.

I had a lot of great interactions with people that really energized me. All in all, it was a great first week.