New Employee Orientation (NEO) Program
With the significant costs of hiring and training new employees, integration and adaptation of new employees to their new environment is very important. Employees who feel welcomed, informed and accepted by colleagues can become confident and successful early in their employment. In addition, effective new employee orientation programs have been shown to increase retention, productivity and satisfaction.
The Libraries’ New Employee Orientation (NEO) Program is designed to prepare new employees to be able to be successful in their positions, to fully participate in their team’s and the Libraries’ work within as short a period of time as feasible, and to increase their knowledge and confidence as members of the University Libraries team-based organization.
Components of the UA Libraries’ Orientation Process:
- The Selection Team: Orientation to the Libraries and CCP and the position begins with the selection team. The selection team provides final candidates with a packet of introductory information-- --“Joining the Libraries and CCP” (4/09), reviews the contents of the packet with candidates ("Talking Points" Outline), provides a building/office tour and introduces the candidate to potential future colleagues.
- The Home Team Leader: The team leader is responsible for ensuring the new employee has (a) computing support, work space, and supplies for their work; (b) a full description of, and training in, all assigned duties; (c) a New Employee Orientation Notebook (7/8/09) with up-to-date materials related to the work of the team; (d) orientation to the team’s Strategic Framework; (e) support for attendance at all New Employee Orientation functions; (f) clear learning and performance goals for the ‘probation’ or introductory period and the assignment of a peer developmental review group; (g) frequent, scheduled meeting times to review progress as well as informal access to the team leader and/or supervisor for coaching assistance; (h) a mid-probation and end of probation Performance Appraisal (classified staff only); and (i) assignment of a ‘buddy’ or ‘workplace peer colleague’ from the team to help provide orientation to the team, Libraries and CCP and the campus. (See links below to this material).
- The Human Resources and Organizational Effectiveness (HROE) Team: HROE provides up-to-date information and support materials for orientation to the Libraries and coordinates five NEO Foundation Sessions (11/10/09) for all new employees within their first year of employment. The "Joining the Libraries and CCP” packet is provided to the selection team; the Team Leader/ Buddy Task List and the PEMS Guidelines are provided to the home team leader at the time of hire; the Welcome Letter (first day and first week activities) is sent to the new hire; the NEO Notebook is given to the new hire on the first workday. (See links below to this material).
- The Library Support Services Team (LSST) : ABaC$ accountants meet with new employees to explain the time/attendance/pay distribution policies and procedures within the first three days of work. Members of HROE, ABaC$ and Facilities Management meet with all new employees in a Libraries Support Services Team (LSST) Orientation (09/30/09) within the first 4-8 weeks to review work-related employment policies, relevant budget/pay information, and security and facilities information.
- The Library Faculty Assembly (LFA): LFA provides updated information to the selection team for the interview of faculty candidates and participates in the interview process to explain to candidates the roles and responsibilities of Library Faculty members. LFA communicates mentorship opportunities to all newly hired Library Faculty.
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The Staff Governance Association (SGA): SGA provides new classified hires with a special welcome letter which explains the purpose of the SGA, lists board members, and invites staff to participate in future meetings as well as to ask questions or make suggestions of SGA Board members.
Guidelines and Best Practices:
- Orientation Process Overview
- Selection Team Review of Joining the Library Packet: "Talking Points Outline" (05/04/07)
- Team Leader/ Buddy Task List (upd. 04/14/09)
- Equal Opportunity & Affirmative Action Office training
- Creating Respectful Workplaces: Discrimination & Harassment Prevention
- Creating Inclusive Workplaces: A New Approach to Discrimination Prevention for Supervisors
Forms/Support Materials:
- “Joining the Libraries and CCP” (4/09)
- Library Organization Chart (04/09)
- Libraries Support Services Team (LSST) Orientation (09/30/09)
- New Employee Orientation Notebook (7/8/09)
- NEO Foundation Sessions (11/10/09)
- Performance Evaluation Form (doublesided--print the side you need; 10/08)
- Probationary Period Guidelines for Classified Staff (Rev. 10/09)
UA Resources for New Employees:
- "New to the U" (includes: relocation info, benefits orientation, professional organizations, things to do, local schools)
- Balancing Life & Work (includes: child care, elder care, employee wellness)
- Benefits
- Disability Resource Office
- Diversity Resource Office
- Employee Link (access to your personal UA-related info)
- Employee Resources (includes: calendars, campus offices, disability resources, employee & career advising services, family care, leave management,
- Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Office
- Family Resources
- Human Resources
- Parent Resources (see also Family Resources)
- Parent-Friendly Campus Map (baby-changing stations on campus)
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