Platypus Staff Onboarding

Step 1: Create a CASTAC Account

All Platypus staff need a CASTAC account in order to access the Platypus dashboard. Use the instructions below to sign up.

• If you are a returning CE from last year, skip this step and proceed to step 2.
• Do you have a CASTAC account already? If you have subscribed to the listserv, been a Platypus contributor, or have an Assemblage profile, then you are already have a member account.
  • If you do not already have a CASTAC account…
    • create one by using the registration form and select “Register as a New CASTAC Staff Member”. You are highly encouraged to also signup for the CASTAC listserv and create an Assemblage profile as well.
  • If you already have a CASTAC account…
    • log in and use your account settings page to indicate your new staff status.
    • If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it using the password reset tool.
    • If you no longer have access to the email account you used to create your CASTAC account, please email the web producer (webmaster@castac.org) to have it changed to your current email address. Do not create a new account if you have an existing account.
  • If you are unsure if you have a CASTAC account…
    • Do not create a new account. Instead, email the web producer (webmaster@castac.org) with your name and email address and request to check for an existing account.

Step 2: General Training

Please watch the video provided below that reviews all of the information you need to fulfill your duties as a contributing editor.

• View the transcript with slide numbers.
• View the slides.

Step 3: Technical Training

Please watch the video provided below that reviews all of the information you need to use CASTAC’s web services appropriately for your new position. Alternatively you can access the slides and a transcript using the links below the video.

Watch the Technical Training Video

• View the transcript with slide numbers.
• View the slides.

Watch the Platypod Training

• View the transcript with slide numbers.
• View the slides.

Policies & Procedure Documents for Reference

The most important information is provided in the videos above. These documents provide more information and more detailed instructions. They are provided here so that you can familiarize yourself with them. However, they are most useful as a reference when you create your posts. When working on your posts, I highly encourage you to open these guides and use them as you work.

These documents are always available for reference on the Platypus dashboard. 

• • Platypus Contributor Registration Guide
  • Platypus Text Content Guide
  • Platypus Image Content Guide
  • Platypus Document Content Guide
  • Platypus & Platypod Audio Content Guide
  • General Policies & Procedures

Step 4: Assessment

In order to obtain access to the Platypus dashboard, you must pass the quiz below with a perfect score. Answers are provided after each question and you can restart the quiz as often as you need to pass. When you have gotten all of the questions correct, then send a screenshot (screenshot instructions) of the final screen showing your score to the web producer (webmaster@castac.org). She will then update your permissions so that you can access the Platypus dashboard.

Got one wrong? You can start the quiz over at any time by refreshing the page.