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)
