Leader's Guide to Welcoming a New Employee
Onboarding: It's more than just paperwork
Congratulations on hiring your new employee! As a respected leader, it is your privilege to help welcome your new employee to Midwestern State University. Successful onboarding helps new employees feel welcome and engaged so they can quickly become productive, contributing members of the MSU community.
Plan Ahead - Before Day One
Once the offer has been made and the start date confirmed, you should begin preparing for their arrival. The following actions are highly recommended for you to do before day one.
- Inform other staff and faculty in the department. Welcome your new member by sending them a welcome note or message on where to go or who to meet on their first day.
- Work Area & Office Supplies: Make sure the work area is clean and set up, check supplies or make new orders.
- Computer Access, Phone & Email: hiring departments will make requests to IT for network, folder access, phone, and email. New hire instructions will be sent to the new employee's personal email.
- Banner access requests, if needed, to the following areas: Finance: Chris Stovall/Phillip King ; Student: Amanda Raines/Kenley O'Brien ; Admissions: Leah Hickman.
- Building & Office Keys: Key requests will be made by the department supervisor. Contact Facilities Services at x 4228 for a key request form. New employees will pick up keys with photo ID.
- Make their first day a success! Create a well thought training plan. Or ask a department colleague to serve as a team resource.
- Schedule meetings for employee's first few weeks with key contacts across campus.
First Impressions - A manger that is prepared will set a positive tone in allowing their new employee to succeed during their next 30-90 days.
First Day and First Week
- Meet and Greet: Make introductions and make sure someone is available to greet your new employee on their first day.
- Roles and Responsibilities: Do you have any first day assignments prepared? Is there an employment manual or job notes to review on the position?
- Policies and Procedures / Dress Code: MSU Operating Policy Manual. For most areas and departments on campus, the dress is business casual Mon-Thu and MSU t-shirts and jeans on Fridays.
- Campus Highlights: Calendar of Events, MSU Fun Facts, Campus Maps, lunch breaks, break room/eating area, take them on a tour, visit campus card services, parking
- Check ins are important 1/2 way and at the end of day. How did things go on day one?
30-90 day Follow Ups
First Impressions, Communication and Stay Involved
Think back to your first day and how hard it was to remember everything being communicated.
Remember to keep your door open so the employee feels comfortable coming to you or other coworkers for questions.
Are they enjoying their job? Do they need any additional resources, materials or trainings to succeed in the new position? Did you explain things clearly and correctly for them? Are they experiencing any challenges? If so, what can we do to help?
Encourage mentoring and provide opportunities early on for employees to interact. Partner the new employee with co-workers on projects or to shadow and observe.
Celebrate the good moments in these early days and communicate it!
Technology Basics & Trainings
- Phone: Verify phone number and contact Telecommunications x4012 to verify that set up has been updated
- Computer & Software Support: Submit a help ticket at helpdesk@msutexas.edu for assistance.
- Wireless Network set up: contact helpdesk@msutexas.edu for assistance or x4278
- Trainings: MSU Mandatory Employee Training, (HR x4221), IT Security Awareness Training, KnowBe4 (IT, x4278), P-card (Purchasing, x4109), Student Banner (Registrar x4321)
Hiring Procedures
Staff Hiring Policies - OP 52.82
Faculty Hiring Procedures - OP 06.15
EPAF Resources - How to approve EPAFs
How to Open a Staff Position - Online PRF Form
Administrative Resources
Leadership Training Opportunities - Access resources from TTUS Office of Leader and Culture Development. Sign up to learn about topics that provide value for you and your team.
Managing Time and Leave - As a supervisor, you are responsible for managing time and leave requests from employees. Contact the Payroll Office (940) 397-4354 for additional training or instructions on Time Clock Plus or Employee Leave Reports.