Welcome to Onboarding

Welcome, and thank you for your interest in working together.

This onboarding page is designed to streamline the start of any collaboration or administrative engagement. Before any work begins, all collaborators are asked to review the information below and complete the required onboarding steps.

This process supports clarity, shared expectations, and sustainable working rhythms.

How We Work

This collaboration prioritizes care, clarity, and non-extractive ways of working.

Communication

Slack is the primary platform for internal communication.
Conversations are organized through project-specific channels.
Slack is asynchronous by default. Immediate responses are not expected unless clearly marked as time-sensitive.
Email is used for external communication, formal follow-ups, confirmations, and document sharing.

Meetings

Meetings take place via Zoom or Google Meet and are scheduled in advance.
Meetings are used intentionally for alignment, decision-making, or review.
Preparation and follow-through are expected so meetings remain focused and efficient.

Working Rhythm

Most work is asynchronous and deadline-based, not availability-based.
Clear documentation and written updates are valued.
Deliverables and timelines are defined through agreed scopes of work.
Urgency is not the default mode of working.

Scope and Boundaries

Roles and responsibilities are defined by the agreed scope of work.
Requests outside the original scope may require a separate agreement.
Access to personal time, informal check-ins, or off-hours communication should not be assumed.

Shared Calendars & File Access

KPS Calendar (Google Sheets)
A shared calendar is maintained to track planned activity, including:

grant deadlines
presentations
fellowships and programs
key events and periods of focus

This calendar supports visibility and coordination across collaborators.

Access will be provided as needed.

Google Drive
A shared Google Drive is used for files, documents, and project materials.
Folders are organized to support clarity and long-term access.

You will be given access to relevant folders once onboarding is complete.
File organization and structure will be explained separately at the appropriate time.

Documentation & Shared Practices

Clear documentation supports sustainability and continuity.

Creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is encouraged when appropriate. This may include:

step-by-step workflows
recurring task documentation
notes on tools or systems
process improvements or handoffs

SOPs do not need to be formal or polished to be useful. Documentation helps reduce repeated questions, supports continuity across collaborators, and protects collective capacity.