Perspectives of UKM Newcomers to the Academic Environment of the University

Career development is challenging task for those who wish to excel in the university. This is especially true for newcomers to the academia whose career path has to be built successfully. In research universities, productivity and publications are important components influencing promotions. The main aim of this study was to explore how newcomers perceive the academic environment of the university including expectations stipulated by the university and how they manage themselves as newcomers to the academia. Ten newcomers who have been in the university for at least two semesters were interviewed and the data gathered were analyzed qualitatively. The findings show that: (a) newcomers initially perceived their roles were essentially to teach; (b) their role perceptions changed as a result of the research university status and; (c) newcomers generally do not have full knowledge of the academic community including collegial relationship building; (d) newcomers coping strategies include faculty involvement, information seeking and career planning. The newcomers’ needs include the mentoring processes between newcomers and senior members of the academic staff as well as increase the university support structures.