Honorary appointments FAQs
Appointment letter
Why do I need to sign an appointment letter?
By signing the appointment letter it advises the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) that you are accepting your honorary appointment and the terms and conditions contained in the appointment letter.
Who can I contact if I have questions about the letter?
Visas and entering Australia (overseas honoraries only)
How do I know which visa to apply for?
It is important that you obtain the appropriate visa before entering Australia. If you do not have the appropriate visa for this appointment then and arrive at the Australian border without appropriate work rights you risk being turned around and sent home.
We have included some helpful information in your appointment letter in regards to an appropriate visa.
For more information about visa or how to apply please visit www.border.gov.au.
What happens if my visit dates change?
If for any reason your visit dates change from your original invitation letter please confirm your new visit dates with your UTS supervisor. They will contact the People Unit on your behalf.
The People Unit will then issue you with a new invitation letter stating your new dates. Please sign and return the letter at your earliest convenience.
If you are on a sponsored visa (including 408 or 407), the People Unit will contact the Department of Immigration to advise the change in visit dates.
What if my circumstances change?
If for any reason your circumstances change, ie you choose to bring a family member, your visit is being delayed or you can no longer visit, in the first instance, please contact your UTS supervisor. Your UTS supervisor will contact the Client Services team in the People Unit to prepare new invitation letters, if your circumstances have changed and advise the Department of Immigration, if necessary.
Preparing to commence as an honorary academic
Who can I contact for information about accommodation, transport, and other enquiries about staying in Australia?
If you are relocating to Sydney for the duration of your honorary appointment please take some time to visit our relocating to Sydney page.
If you still require further information, please feel free to contact the People Unit or your supervisor.
When will I receive my staff ID number?
All honorary appointees at UTS will receive a staff ID number to access UTS systems and the UTS library. You will be issued with a staff ID number once the People Unit have received the following:
- signed copy of the UTS invitation letter
- copy of your visa grant notice (overseas honoraries only)
- copy of your photo page of your passport.
Please ensure the above documents are with the People Unit prior to requesting a staff ID.
I already have a staff ID number. Can I use this for my honorary appointment?
Yes, you can.
If you have an active staff ID number, please continue to use it along with your UTS email address.
Your work with UTS
What do I need to do on my first day on campus?
On your first day at UTS, please report to your supervisor. Your supervisor or nominated representative will make contact with you prior to arrival at UTS about our location.
If you have not already done so, please activate your staff ID account and set up multi-factor authentication to securely access UTS systems.
One day after activating your staff ID, go to a Student Centre and collect your UTS staff card. Your supervisor or nominated representative can show you where the closest one is located.
Please remember to take photo ID with you to one of our Student Centres to obtain a UTS staff card. The staff card will enable you to access authorised areas and provide you with visual identification for our Security Services in UTS buildings and facilities.
The UTS staff card is required for all staff at UTS.
Leaving Australia (overseas honoraries only)
Why do I need to tell UTS when I leave Australia?
As UTS is an approved sponsor organisation, we have an obligation to advise the Department of Immigration and Border Protection of your departure.
Please ensure you notify us via hrclientservices@uts.edu.au of your departure date when you are preparing to leave Australia.
What happens if I forget to tell UTS of my departure date before I leave?
Please notify us via hrclientservices@uts.edu.au as soon as possible.
Please ensure you notify us of your departure date as it can affect UTS's ability to host visiting academics on certain sponsored visas in the future.