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HR Policies: 6.6.10

Department Responsibility in the New Employee's Orientation

Subject: Employment
Number: 6.6.10
Issued: 3/1/82
Revised: 2/28/03

Purpose
A proper orientation to working at Cornell is vital to the future relationship of the employee to the department and the university. The supervisor is very important to the new employee in the orientation process. The supervisor should adequately explain the job, the working conditions, the department's and university's expectations.

Effective orientation will reduce misunderstandings and turnover, save the supervisor's working time, create a sense of belonging, and contribute to favorable attitudes toward Cornell which can help make the employee more effective on the job. The following outline is provided to help supervisors fulfill their responsibility in the orientation of new employees.

Procedure First Day of Work
The employee should meet with the supervisor. The following general information should be discussed with the new employee:

  • the university as a whole,
  • the department's place within the university,
  • the purpose of the department,
  • the organization of the department,
  • the image of the department and the university in dealing with all the publics: students, faculty, other staff, and visitors,
  • the employee's job within the department (provide copy of job description),
  • identification and introduction to coworkers. 

New employees should be given an information sheet including the name of the supervisor, name and phone number to be called if the employee is unable to get to work, payday dates, and a work schedule (including lunch hour and break periods). The employee should be introduced to fellow workers and given a tour of the building including:

  • bulletin boards
  • housekeeping
  • place to eat
  • washrooms
  • supplies, equipment
  • work station
  • fire exits
  • first aid kits
  • places to smoke
  • safety equipment

It is very important that the new employee have someone who is readily available to answer questions for the first few weeks. Supervisors might consider the assignment of a "buddy" for this purpose.

First Week of Work
If the department does not participate in the Welcome to Cornell (WTC) (See Policy 6.6.9, Employee Registration ) process, the following items should be given to the employee for completion or information:

  • Employee copy of the approved Nonacademic University Personnel Action Form
  • W-4 tax exemption certificate
  • Health insurance booklets and enrollment cards
  • Group life insurance booklet and card
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment booklet and card
  • CCTS booklet
  • Employee education program information
  • Employee handbook
  • Long Term Disability booklet
  • Benefits summary sheet
  • Select Benefits summary plan booklet and forms
  • Cornell University Retirement Plan Booklet
  • Net ID

Whether or not the department participates in Welcome to Cornell, the following should be explained by the supervisor:

Second Week of Work
The supervisor should follow up with the new employees to determine what areas they may need additional help or information and to make arrangements to supply it.

Second/Third Month of Work
If the employee is nonexempt, the supervisor must complete a 90-day Probationary Review form located on the HR Tools web site and refer to Policy 6.11.2, Probationary Period for details.

Contact the local hr representative or designee or Organizational Development Services (607) 254-6400 for more information.

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