New Faculty Onboarding

This page is designed to help you get started by bringing together essential information, tools, and resources you will need in your first weeks and months at WSU, including employment basics, teaching support, and research resources.

Overview of the University Onboarding Process

For a seamless transition into the university environment, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the official onboarding procedures and requirements. The WSU Human Resource Services (HRS) website is the primary resource for information on the onboarding process. The site provides detailed explanations of university policies, available benefits, important deadlines, mandatory trainings, and additional resources relevant to new employees.

  • New Employee Orientation – This section provides information about new employee orientation and lists deadlines for benefit elections.
  • New Employee Information – Access in-depth details on orientation trainings, benefit options, and enrollment deadlines.
  • New Employee Onboarding – Explore links to orientation trainings and resources vital for new employees.
  • New Employee Resources – Find guidance on what to expect during your initial months at WSU.
  • Your First Day at WSU – Review important tasks and requirements.
  • Your First 30 Days at WSU – this page contains information on what you need to complete in your first 30 days.
  • Employee Handbooks
  • Employee Policies – Locate classification titles, salary information, sample job descriptions, and pertinent policies for all employee categories at WSU.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – The EAP offers confidential counseling and referral services to WSU faculty, administrative professionals, and classified staff.
  • WSU Employee Training – Review a list of mandatory trainings for all employees. You will receive assignments and notifications for applicable trainings during your first week.
  • WSU Holiday Schedule
  • Benefits – Access information regarding benefit options, forms, eligibility, and additional topics.

CAHNRS Onboarding

In addition to the standard university onboarding requirements, new employees in CAHNRS may need to complete tasks specific to the college. All CAHNRS-specific onboarding requirements are listed on this site, supplementing the broader university process.

Department, Unit, and/or Center Onboarding

Beyond the general onboarding information provided by HRS and the college, each department, unit, or center within the college may have their own additional requirements and procedures. Your supervisor will provide you with all the necessary details and expectations related to your department’s onboarding process.


Onboarding Checklist

Use this checklist to track required and suggested onboarding tasks.

First Week – Getting Started

Many systems and permissions are assigned after your hire is fully processed. If something is not available immediately, your supervisor or department administrator can help. 

  • You will receive an invitation to set up your WSU Network ID (NID) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) preferences. Your WSU Network ID (NID) is the key to nearly all university systems, including the following:
    • Workday – WSU employees use Workday to view personal information, track time and time off, complete performance evaluations, and manage personnel and finances.
    • Skillsoft Percipio – Percipio gives WSU employees easy access to required courses and personalized learning recommendations.
    • Zoom – Zoom is a videoconferencing service that allows you to conduct virtual meetings using any device connected to the internet. All current students, staff, and faculty have access to a Zoom Pro license through WSU.
    • Help desk support – Use the CAHNRS IT ticketing system or email cit.support@wsu.edu for assistance (Your department/unit/center may also have local IT contacts)
    • Additional software and licensing options.
    • WSU Library systems
    • WSU Survey Tools – WSU provides faculty, staff, and students with approved tools for conducting surveys related to research, classroom activities, and program evaluation.
    • WSU Learning management system (Canvas)
    • MyWSU portal
    • Adobe Products – WSU employees can use certain Adobe products based on their specific job appointments.
    • Wireless networks
    • Microsoft 365 – Your Office 365 subscription stays active while you are employed by WSU and have an active WSU email. Access ends when your employment ends.

Many systems are not available until your hire is fully processed. If something doesn’t work right away, that is normal.

  • Review Workday for New and Current Employees page. This page explains how to perform important tasks related to payroll, time worked/off, managing personal info, and more.
  • Log in to Workday (you will need a WSU NID for this step).
    • Complete Form I-9 with required identification
    • Submit W-4 and state tax forms
    • Set up direct deposit
    • Remote workers must complete a Telework Agreement.

All WSU faculty are required to complete certain trainings to meet legal and institutional obligations. The following trainings must be completed during the first week of employment???

WSU is committed to accessible and inclusive learning environments. As a faculty member, you are responsible for: 

Teaching support services are available to help you design, revise, or troubleshoot your courses. Resources include:

Familiarize yourself with policies and processes that shape your role at WSU. Your department and/or unit may have additional expectations or timelines. 

Refer to the WSU Brand website for instructions on how to set up your university-branded email signature.

Adhering to brand standards ensures that WSU’s distinct identity is clearly communicated. For details about colors, logos, typography, imagery, and other guidelines, consult the WSU Brand website.

See the Travel page for key travel information, policies, and resources.

Some units, departments, and centers have their own office setup procedures. Ask your supervisor which process to follow.

First 30 Days

  • Complete required training assignments in Percipio – You will receive email notification of required trainings with due dates.

Review your profile in the CAHNRS directory by following these steps:

  • Visit the CAHNRS Directory page
  • Enter your name in the search box below the CAHNRS Employees header.
  • If your profile does not come up, add your information using the Update Information form.
  • If you need to add, update, or remove information from your profile, fill out the Update Information form.

If you would like to be added to the Find an Expert page on the WSU Extension website, please fill out the WSU Extension Expert form.

Obtaining Approvals and Completing Required Training

If you are involved in research or scholarly work, it is essential to secure all necessary approvals before beginning your project. This ensures compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.

Online training is available through the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) for many fields of research.

All researchers must complete the following mandatory training programs through CITI:

  • Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)
  • Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI)
  • Research Security (Research Security COMBINED)

For guidance on setting up your CITI account and accessing these trainings, please visit the CITI Required Trainings and Directions page. You will need your WSU NID and password to log in.

Additional Requirements

Certain research projects may require further approvals and procedures, which can include:

Keep in mind that some approval processes, especially those for new projects, may take considerable time. It is important to plan ahead to ensure timely project initiation.

Note:

The WSU Office of Research (OR) offers support on legal, financial, and ethical research compliance. See the OR website for further guidelines and policies.

First 6 Months

  • Complete the following required WSU trainings within the first six months of employment then yearly thereafter. If you have questions about required trainings, please contact HRS.Training@wsu.edu.
    • Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct Prevention
    • Hazing Prevention Training
    • Ethics in Public Service
    • ITS – Cyber Security Awareness Training
    • Safety Training for WSU Employees – Part 1
    • Safety Training for WSU Employees – Part 2
    • Employee Rights and Responsibilities Under UPPM 10.60
    • Digital Accessibility Assessment
  • Explore learning opportunities in Percipio
  • Review compliance responsibilities
  • Review Programs and professional development opportunities offered though the Office of the Provost & Executive Vice President.

The Provost’s Office advances faculty development with mentoring, leadership, teaching initiatives, and professional learning opportunities for all career stages. Below are resources to help you begin.

CAHNRS Departments, Units, and Centers

This section provides links to all departments, centers and service units.

Get Connected

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