First Steps
First Day
First Day
- Introductions: Start by meeting your supervisor and your new team. Take the time to introduce yourself, ask a few questions, and start building those connections. Aim to learn — and remember — at least four names by the end of the day. Those early relationships will help you feel more connected.
- Tour: Next, tour your workspace and building. Locate the mail room, break room, restrooms, emergency exits, parking areas, and any other spaces you’ll use regularly. This will help you feel comfortable navigating your new environment.
- New Hire Forms: With the help of your Department Liaison and/or administrative staff, complete your employment forms — including the I-9, W-4, — and others as required for your role.
- Email & other system access: Then, visit the TechCenter Help Desk to get your Internet ID set up and create your email account and password. This will also give you access to other University systems.
- U Card: Don’t forget to pick up your U Card — just remember to bring a government-issued photo ID. Your U Card is your campus ID, library card, building access card, and more.
- Parking and Transit Options: Finally, review your parking or transit options with Transportation & Parking Services. Whether you’ll be driving, biking, busing, or walking, they can help you find the best fit.
First Week
First Week
- Direct Deposit: Sign up for direct deposit in MyU (My Pay → Direct Deposit Set-Up).
- Other Training: Discuss your training plan with your supervisor (Code of Conduct, HIPAA, FERPA, PeopleSoft, data privacy). Complete Information Security Awareness and Sexual Misconduct Trainings (watch for the email invite).
- Employee Group: Learn about your employee group from your offer letter, and understand how to find the policies and governing documents that apply to you:
- Professional and Administrative/Academic? See all University Policies.
- Labor represented or Civil Service? See your specific Collective Bargaining Agreements and Contracts.
- Benefits Orientation: Explore your benefits and attend the Benefits Workshop or view the slides (PDF).Links to an external site.
- Employee Wellness: Consider joining the Wellness Program.
- Explore campus with interactive maps or self-guided tours.
- Update emergency contacts in MyU and enroll in TXT-U for alerts.
- Use onboarding tools like the Employee Conversation Guide.
Labor Represented Union Orientations
On the 4th Tuesday of each month, all new Labor Represented employees at UMD are required to attend a 30 minute union orientation with their respective union representatives on the following dates and times as follows:
| Dates | Times | Union | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 - 10:30am | AFSCME (All groups) | St. Louis River Room(KSC 351) |
10:00 - 10:30am | Teamsters Local 320 | Gichigami Room(KSC 355-357) | |
10:30 - 11:00am | LELS | St. Louis River Room(KSC 351) | |
| Union Orientation will align with New Faculty Orientation each Fall; otherwise UEA representatives will reach out to new hires on an ad hoc basis | UEA | ||
| *** December session is scheduled for January 2026 due to Holiday Campus Closures | Teamsters @ 10:00am AFSCME @ 10:30am | ||