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Everyone starting a new job needs time to settle, to learn to know the organisation, the office and the people. But what if the time is not there? In this week’s wrap up, two recently joined ľ�ϸ���Ӱ�� College Utrecht staff members share their experiences of getting started from home. Also featuring moodboards from the philosophy course ‘Who are we?’

Sjoerd Bosgra started as Managing Director in the beginning of March, and a week later Babette Heeren joined the team as a Communications & Marketing Officer. That was just four days before the coronavirus measures were announced and everyone was sent home.

“I am lucky to have met many of my colleagues in the first two weeks when we still were at the office”, says Sjoerd. “That helps me a lot now. However, less helpful is that I didn’t have the chance to get to know all support staff members yet. I bet it is strange to have a supervisor who you barely have spoken with. I’m afraid that will not change over a fortnight either, as my time has been fully taken up by crisis issues since the coronavirus measures were put into place.”

“It is great to have such supportive colleagues”, says Babette. “During the four days that I spent at the office before we were called home, I got to know quite a few colleagues already, and ever since, people have shown a great amount of patience to help me out online whenever needed. My urge to have everything sorted out right away has waned away, luckily.”

Campus fever

In spite of their extremely short period in College Hall, both Babette and Sjoerd report feeling welcome at the College. Babette, with a nod of irony: “When colleagues say that they are so glad that I’m there, I think that it must be due to all the work that needs picking up. But it gives a nice feeling anyway. I concentrate now on the practical tasks that I can do from home. For setting up any new plans I will need a bit more background at the College, although I am already taking notes for that purpose when I meet with people.”

 “I must say that I miss the feel of a community and direct contact with students. That may change shortly, when I start interviewing students who have applied to become Student Ambassadors.”

“My campus fever is helped at least a bit by the weekly turns I have on campus, as member of the Crisis Team”, says Sjoerd. “That gives me the opportunity to talk with some students and walk around the campus at least. Although is not much, I do feel connected to the College already.”

“In fact, I think the current crisis situation gives me an excellent opportunity to get to know the organization. My impression is that everyone is adjusting on the new measures. This situation is not a pleasure for anyone, but both staff and students understand it and the spirits are up. No doubt that has to do with the kind of students we have: they are smart, responsible and realize that each of them has a part in curbing the virus as fast as possible.”

Coffee corner

In the meanwhile, Sjoerd and Babette can proud themselves as experts of making a new start during the coronavirus outbreak. Their advice to others in the same situation is unanimous: get to know your colleagues online, as fast and as well as possible. And don’t wait until others look you up. Babette: “Everyone is presently refiguring their tasks, and many are struggling with shared responsibilities at home, like taking care of young children. That makes is extra important to be proactive. Take the first step.”

“Keep calm and realise that this will pass”, says Sjoerd. “What I miss most are informal chats with colleagues, the coffee corner phenomenon. I certainly will drink plenty of coffee, once we may return to the office!’

In the picture: From confused to excited: moods in philosophy class

Moodboards from the Who are we? Philosophical Views on Humans and Gods course. Lecturer Chiara Robbiano: “I started to collect students’ moods right after the March break week, by means of a ‘check in’. Everyone could share their feelings anonymously, without having to speak up.” Here we present a selection of four. Follow the boards from upper left corner clockwise: the moods evolve gradually to more positive notes.