Staff Feedback - What are the Key Administrative Challenges and do we have potential solutions by Luke Kelleher https://padlet.com/cdiconlineworkshop/gbsodv371m0lsj1x One of the issues that have emerged is the need for more efficient and prompt administrative support for lecturers. Streamlining Visa Documentation: -more attention to filling in and preparing documents for visas to ensure a smoother process; providing help with picking up/filing in documents when the presence of lecturers is not a must. Assistance with Routine Administrative Tasks: - providing lecturers with specific addresses of the CDIC campus gates that they can use for taxis upfront; providing slides with screenshots for reference when ordering taxis via Alipay, topping up their CDIC staff card via Alipay etc.  What are the key administrative challenges currently faced by the TCPEP Programme, and what potential solutions could we implement to effectively address and overcome these challenges? en-us 2024-08-07 07:04:23 UTC 2024-08-13 13:06:31 UTC hello@padlet.com clarity on visa requirements, from a legal perspective. https://padlet.com/cdiconlineworkshop/gbsodv371m0lsj1x/wish/3069669433 2024-08-07 10:49:34 UTC https://padlet.com/cdiconlineworkshop/gbsodv371m0lsj1x/wish/3069669433 Streamlining APEP administrative challenges https://padlet.com/cdiconlineworkshop/gbsodv371m0lsj1x/wish/3069673319

  • Visa is still a major issue that takes too much time for the staff involved, communication via email on visa issues should be preferred.

  • Advance payment for PHD students (they don't have a staff number, Louise flagged that is a problem for advanced payment)

    • ]]>     2024-08-07 10:56:13 UTC https://padlet.com/cdiconlineworkshop/gbsodv371m0lsj1x/wish/3069673319     Promote core meeting hours policy https://padlet.com/cdiconlineworkshop/gbsodv371m0lsj1x/wish/3069711007 the schedule at CDIC is hectic. However, it would be great to have School/Unit level meetings in the earlier part of the day to allow CDIC lecturers to attend.

    ]]>     2024-08-07 11:59:48 UTC https://padlet.com/cdiconlineworkshop/gbsodv371m0lsj1x/wish/3069711007     EDI training https://padlet.com/cdiconlineworkshop/gbsodv371m0lsj1x/wish/3070699159 2024-08-08 13:01:41 UTC https://padlet.com/cdiconlineworkshop/gbsodv371m0lsj1x/wish/3070699159 More guidance and coordinated flow of information about visa types and requirements https://padlet.com/cdiconlineworkshop/gbsodv371m0lsj1x/wish/3070703894 Lecturers need clearer guidance on the appropriate visa type to apply for and the required documents for each specific visa. Determining the correct visa type alone is very time-consuming. Additionally, not knowing the required documents in advance leads to significant delays in the process. I've noticed that the information provided by Julia/Hanxiao and the Chinese Embassy in Ireland sometimes differs. The entire process would benefit from a more coordinated flow of information. All information should be regularly verified with the Embassy/other authorities and updated in the Handbook.

    ]]>     2024-08-08 13:07:45 UTC https://padlet.com/cdiconlineworkshop/gbsodv371m0lsj1x/wish/3070703894     Accommodation https://padlet.com/cdiconlineworkshop/gbsodv371m0lsj1x/wish/3070736139 Lecturers who wish to stay in Xi'an with their family members are explicitly excluded from accessing CDIC on-campus housing units. The CDIC International Office is unable to secure other on-campus or off-campus rentals, with an explanation that landlords typically require a minimum one-year lease agreement. Within this process, I was explicitly informed by the CDIC administrative team that I must secure my own accommodation if I choose not to share a CDIC housing unit with other staff. I spent a significant amount of time searching for short-term rentals, where 100% of all the information is in Chinese. I was able to find an apartment in Xi'an recently, although 1) I have to commute to the campus everyday for 30 minutes (15 + 15 minutes), using a taxi as it is the most convenient option. 2) I will be paying a significantly higher monthly rent.


    This accommodation issue has consumed my time for the past two months and has significantly reduced the time I could dedicate to course preparation. I was informed via email that dependents are not provided for, even though my contract does not specify any details regarding dependents. In addition, a CDIC academic leader once suggested that I should seriously consider bringing my daughter to Xi'an due to concerns about air quality, which I perceive as an attempt to discourage me from bringing my family to Xi'an.


    Lecturers who wish to bring their families to Xi'an do not receive adequate support throughout the process, which contradicts UCD's equal opportunities policy.

    ]]>     2024-08-08 13:45:25 UTC https://padlet.com/cdiconlineworkshop/gbsodv371m0lsj1x/wish/3070736139