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Dear Faculty Relations: I have received complaints from postdoctoral fellows who have issues with their faculty/PIs about how their jobs have changed since they were first hired; for example, being moved to an entirely new project and research area, working extended hours, not receiving adequate communication or guidance. They are confused about original contractual arrangements that appear vague. What is the best way to approach this issue when it festers negativity between mentors and their postdocs? —Chair Wondering about Vague Contracts

Dear Faculty Relations: One of our colleagues has a knack for rubbing people the wrong way. Their words and actions are harsh, aggressive, and confrontational. They make me and others feel uncomfortable, intimidated, and even fearful for psychological safety. How might I address this to create a better departmental culture? —Abused in Boulder

Dear Faculty Relations: Over the last decade, we have lost several BIPOC colleagues in our unit. Sometimes, we didn’t even get a chance to counteroffer. In my leadership position, I want to ensure we do everything possible to retain our colleagues and be aware of issues that may drive our BIPOC colleagues to seek positions elsewhere. What can I do? —Seeking Greater Awareness

Dear Faculty Relations: What is meant by holding a coaching discussion with staff? How can I be an effective supervisor? —Effective Supervisor

Dear Faculty Relations: What do you wish you had known earlier in your career about being a leader? I’d appreciate hearing from our deans. —Looking for Advice

Dear Faculty Relations: With all the talk around the great resignation and re-evaluation, I'm worried about those around me either leaving or being disengaged in their work. How do we keep our people? —Fearful of the Great Resignation

Dear Faculty Relations: I was elected as the department chair last spring and began on July 1. While I am very excited to lead the department and positively impact our faculty, students, and staff, I have some concerns keeping me up at night. I am worried about the role of our outgoing chair, a full professor with a strong personality and connections both within and outside the university. I am also an associate professor in our department with aspirations to go up for promotion to full. Do you have any advice for me? —Worried Incoming Chair

Dear Faculty Relations: I was beyond excited when I received a job offer for a tenure-track faculty position here at CU last winter. It was my top choice, the culmination of years of work, the entry point to my dream career, and the perfect motivator for completing my dissertation on time! Well, I've moved my family across the country; I'm trying to manage all the logistics of the move, settling in, and starting 1) a new job and 2) my first (and hopefully for the foreseeable future) tenure-track position. I'm so overwhelmed; honestly, I'm not even sure what my questions are! —I'm Here, Now What?

Dear Faculty Relations: We spent months recruiting and hiring a new faculty member. Now that they have arrived, I’m not sure what is important to do next to make sure we can retain them. —The Chair Who Values New Hires

Dear Faculty Relations: I just completed my employee's year-end review. Is it already the start of the new performance cycle? What should I do? How do I plan? —Planner