Welcoming new staff members to the department and making sure they have a thorough explanation of what is expected of them is an important responsibility of the department chair.  The university administration has, in recent years, stepped up its efforts to welcome and orient all staff -- faculty (including those who are visiting), academic staff, university staff, and teaching assistants.  Once each semester the College of Letters and Science offers a New Employee Welcome Session. New employees will receive notification in advance of the session.   A campus-wide orientation is also available through the Learning and Talent Development website).  

Please see the Office of Human Resources website for links to Benefits 101, policies and procedures, and other valuable information for new employees.  

The department chair should take care to give new faculty a comprehensive overview of the departmental structure and policies, an outline of the general faculty governance structure of the University, and a reminder of those considerations likely to be of greatest importance to a new faculty member. These include such information as Graduate School Research Committee opportunities and deadlines, departmental and Divisional Committee expectations for tenure, details about course assignments, policies governing teaching assistantships, and the mechanics of dealing with course needs, insurance, parking, etc. In large departments it is especially important to make sure new faculty members meet other colleagues and get a sense of belonging to a vibrant community of scholars. The departmental chair is in the best position to make sure this happens.

For questions on upcoming new employee orientations please contact your HR Business Partner.