Arrival and onboarding
Understanding your appointment
All postdoctoral scholars are provided with a Letter of Offer outlining the details and terms of their appointment at the University of Calgary. The Letter of Offer is drafted by the Postdoctoral Office, finalized by Human Resources and signed by the supervisor and postdoctoral scholar.
The Letter of Offer will provide information on:
- research expectations
- the period of your appointment, including your start date and end date
- your annual stipend
- health benefits
- any additional funding provided (eg. for relocation, conference attendance or research-related expenses)
- personal leave days you will receive
When your appointment is coming to an end, refer to your Letter of Offer to understand the terms and conditions of your appointment when negotiating an extension.
The University of Calgary encourages all postdoctoral scholars to apply for and receive awards from provincial, national or international funding agencies. Information on funding and fellowships is available here.
Important information
New Postdoc Orientation
The Postdoc Office offers orientations for all new postdoctoral scholars on a bi-annual basis. It is recommended that all postdocs attend an orientation sessions. Orientations are held in MacKimmie Tower on Main Campus. Topics covered include:
- Understanding your appointment
- Building a successful relationship with your supervisor
- Professional development opportunities
Orientations also include presentations on:
- Health and dental benefits, presented by Human Resources–Benefits
- Campus wellness, occupational health, and Workers Compensation Board information, presented by Staff Wellness
- Homewood Health Employee and Family Assistance Program, presented by Human Resources
- Postdoctoral Association of the University of Calgary, presented by the PDAC Executive
- Funding and fellowships, presented by Research Services
- Immigration support, presented by HR-Immigration
At New Postdoc Orientation, postdocs have the opportunity to meet postdocs from other departments and faculties, meet the Postdoc Office team, and ask any questions they may have about their appointment.
Email invitations are sent to all postdocs when these orientations are scheduled.
Parking
Purchase parking permits, find parking on campus, and learn about sustainability initiatives, such as bicycle and motorcycle parking, carpooling, and car2go.
Transportation
The main campus and Foothills campus are easily accessible by Calgary Transit LRT and bus routes. Visit the Calgary Transit website for route information and interactive route planning throughout the city.
Campus maps
An interactive room finder is available online for both Main Campus and Foothills Campus.
Libraries
UCalgary postdocs have access to all libraries on campus: Taylor Family Digital Library, Doucette Library of Teaching Resources, Bennett Jones Law Library, and Health Sciences Library (Foothills Campus).
Career Services
Online resources are available to help you write a strong and competitive CV and to prepare you for your job search. During your postdoctoral appointment, take advantage of opportunities to network or to take part in career development events/workshops.
Faith and Spirituality Centre
Serving member of various faiths and religious traditions, the Faith and Spirituality Centre offers spiritual and faith-based programs, events and support to students, staff and faculty.
Staff Wellness Centre
Postdoctoral scholars have access to the Wellness Centre located on the second floor of the MacEwan Student Centre. The Wellness Centre offers walk-in medical services and various health services, such as chiropractic, massage and nutrition services (by appointment only).
Active Living and the Outdoor Centre
Facilities include Aquatic Centre; Weight training and cardio area; Climbing and bouldering walls; Squash and racquet ball courts
Women's Resource Centre
A positive space for all individuals interested in working towards gender equality. The Women's Resource Centre (located in MSC 482) strives to achieve equality at the University of Calgary and to create a more inclusive campus environment where each individual's agency and voice are nurtured to contribute to the collective spirit of a community where citizenship and leadership is made possible for all, regardless of gender.
Campus Security: 403.220.5333
Safewalk
Available 24/7, Safewalk volunteers are on hand to escort people safely to their destinations anywhere on campus. The service is free and available to everyone. For more information, call the Safewalk office at 403.220.4750. Campus Security is available 24/7 at 403.220.5333
Working Alone System
The Working Alone system enhances the safety of faculty and staff working alone on campus, especially outside of normal working hours. The system is a web-based check-in, check-out system with Campus Security, accessed via myUofC.