New Hire and Onboarding Information

The first day on the job can be a nerve racking experience for new employees as well as current employees who move to a new department. The department supervisor has the responsibility for orienting a new team member to the department’s procedures and the overall University if the employee is new to the organization. 

Pre-Arrival

Prior to the employee’s first day of work the manager should ensure that the office is prepared to welcome the new employee. This state of preparedness includes:

• Formal notification to the staff about the addition of a new team member;
• Cleaned and work ready workstation or office – phone; computer; office supplies;
• Nameplate for display on the workstation;
• Keys for office doors and storage areas if applicable; and
• Where practicable, identify and designate a peer mentor/buddy.

First Day and Beyond for Managers and Supervisors

Once the new team member begins employment, orientation, which can be a multi-tiered process, will be critical to the successful integration and engagement of the employee. A successful departmental orientation will help the new employee understand her/his role and how it contributes to the mission and goals of the unit; further it will create a foundation of knowledge and understanding about the department’s structure, functions, policies and procedures.

Additional steps the supervisor should complete at the department level include:

• Be on hand to greet the new employee upon their arrival to work on the first day.
• Schedule time to meet with the new employee during the first week.
• Formally introduce the new employee to team members and briefly summarize their job responsibilities.
• Review departmental policies and procedures with the new hire.
• Discuss and share position responsibilities, goals and expectations for satisfactory performance.
• Introduce the peer mentor/buddy who has been designated as the go to person for questions or concerns in addition to yourself.
• Coordinate required training needs.
• Review performance, monitor progress and provide constructive feedback.

Human Resources will provide new employees with the opportunity to participate in a formal orientation program within the first week of their employment with the University.

These steps will provide a framework to ensure that employees new to the department will assimilate into the organizational culture and quickly become productive and contributing members of the team. 

Additional information 

• Hospitality Services: University Identification Card
• Public Safety: Parking Decal
• Information Technology: Email Address, Overview of WPU Network Systems, Blackboard Access
• Telephone Services: Telephone Activation/Voice Mail, Emergency Notification System
• Emergency Notification Signup: WP Connect
• Instructional Research Technology: Blackboard Training (Applicable to Faculty)