University of Pittsburgh

2007-08

The goal of this seminar is to welcome postdoctoral fellows into the community of scholars.

Designed for face-to-face discussions between postdoctoral fellows and their mentors, it is also effective as an asynchronous, self-directed program of study. Please allow 14 hours to complete it.

The site is meant to support and empower postdoc fellows as they become further acculturated into scholarly institutions. Readings introduce the rewards of and obstacles to research; the causes and consequences of misconduct; the rights and obligations of professionals; the habits of excellent mentors; and the social mission of the university. We describe a three-step method for making moral decisions: my interests; our interests; all interests.

Participants meet "heels" and "heros;" work through interactive exercises surveying policies, rules, and regulations; and join a discipline-specific seminar on the social responsibilities of researchers. Finally, we identify sources of continuing education.

To begin, take a minute to acquaint yourself with the three tabs to your left. Click on each one--Schedule, Modules, and Assignments--and review the menus.

Ready to proceed? Click again on Schedule, insure you can see "0.0 Intro to course," and click there.