Employee Onboarding

This Checklist is for personal reference only. Activities are to be completed within the first 30-60 days from the new employee’s start date.  Internal hires need to only complete relevant activates specific to their department. 

Your First Day Checklist:

• Receive your name tag, if applicable.
• Meet your colleagues, participate in department orientation, and take a job specific tour (break area, supply area, bathrooms, etc.).
  • Introduce yourself to others in your work area.
• Discuss office hours, clarify your schedule, and confirm required/recommended training.
  • Ask questions about policies and procedures for overtime, use of vacation and sick time, holidays, as well as any flexible work policies or procedures.
  • Ask if you are considered Essential Personnel, and go over what that means for your area.
• Ask your manager for an overview of the functional area—its purpose, organizational structure, and goals.
• Review your job description, outline of duties, and expectations.
  • Ask how your job fits in the department, and how your job and department contribute to your division/school and the university.
  • Sign department compliance forms
  • Partner with your manager to identify your initial assignments:
    • The purpose of your work
    • How it fits into your department’s or school’s overarching mission and goals
    • How you can begin making immediate contributions
• Attend New Employee Orientation
  • Orientation date will be assigned to you and sent via your BSU email address.
  • Check out learning sessions relevant to your new role here
• Review Your Employee Handbook 
  • Faculty and Professional Handbook
  • Staff Handbook
  • Service Personnel Handbook
  • PT Service Personnel Handbook
• Ask your manager about department-specific safety and emergency information, taking a tour of campus, and how to get additional supplies.
  • Receive personal safety/protective equipment, if applicable
  • Discuss emergency building plans
  • Retrieve your keys, if applicable
• Set up your personal workspace.
  • Obtain a list of customers and frequent contacts you may need
  • Obtain a list of key phone numbers and practice using the BSU online directory
• Ask any questions you may have that have not already been addressed

As you settle in to your new environment, feel free to begin exploring Ball State, Bracken Library, the David Owsley Museum of Art, Ball Gym, the recreation facilities, and the dining facilities on campus. Your comfort level will increase each day as you meet more people, gain familiarity with your new surroundings, and begin your work projects.

Checklist

• Debrief with your manager after attending initial meetings and trainings.
• Begin work on your first assignment.
• Ask for additional contextual information about the department and division to increase your understanding of its purpose, value added to Ball State, goals, and initiatives.
• Request time to go over the performance review and goal-setting process in your department.
• Review the process related to your probationary period (if you have one).
• Plan lunch with a co-worker or visit a place on campus you’d like to see.
• Review your department’s and the university’s policies.
• If you are having any computer or phone issues, discuss it with your manager so they may be addressed in a timely manner.

As you continue to develop in your new role, learn about the organization, build relationships and ensure you’ve met your deadlines for benefits enrollment. Sign up, as needed for professional training.

Checklist

• Schedule one-on-one meetings with your manager.
• Request on-going, meaningful “everyday feedback.”
• Feel free to ask questions about the performance management process and compensation system.
• Discuss performance and professional development goals.
• Sign up for necessary training sessions.
• Take on an additional assignment.
• Continue introducing yourself to those inside and outside your department.
• Attend campus events of interest to you.

In your first three months, you should become fully aware of your role and responsibilities, begin to act independently, and produce meaningful work.  As your acclimation to the university’s environment continues, you will embrace your new role at Ball State further and further.

Staff and Service Employees

• Professional Progress Review—Complete your three-month probation period. Prepare for an informal three-month performance review with your manager.
• Continue meeting regularly with your manager.
• Develop performance goals and professional development goals.
• Attend applicable Learning and Development sessions.
• If applicable, shadow your manager at meetings to get exposure to others and learn more about the department and organization.
• Plan lunches with co-workers or someone you have met from other BSU departments or schools.

From Six to Twelve Months

At this point in time, you should feel fully engaged in your new role. You’re able to use your skills and knowledge, make sound decisions, contribute to team goals, and understand how your assignments affect others in the organization.  You’ve developed effective working relationships and have a strong understanding of Ball State’s mission and culture.

As you gain momentum in your work and take the lead on some initiatives, this is a great time to assess what you have done well and what you could have done differently in your first six months. As your work moves forward, continue to develop relationships with peers as go-to partners.

Checklist

• Celebrate the successes of your contributions.
• Continue to seek regular informal feedback; prepare for formal feedback during the annual review.
• Have a conversation with your manager about your experience at Ball State to date:
  • Is the role what you expected?
  • Are your skills and knowledge being fully utilized and are there ways to better utilize them? What’s working well, what could work better?
  • Do you need additional support or resources?
  • Ask about the timing of your annual performance appraisal.
  • Begin discussing the year ahead.
• If asked, consider participating on committees or work teams.
• Discuss your professional development goals and identify relevant learning opportunities.