Congratulations on your new position!
We are glad you are a part of the University of Minnesota—a world-class public research university. We hope you find your work here fulfilling and that it provides you with opportunities to learn and grow.
We work on five campuses (Crookston, Duluth, Morris, Rochester, and Twin Cities), at agricultural experiment stations and local extension offices, in the Soudan mine, at the Hormel Institute, and many other locations across the state, the country, and the world.
Our diversity is what drives our excellence. We are diverse in so many ways—job skills, perspectives, race and ethnicity, age, gender, and our experiences. Everyone here has important work to do, and we are counting on you to make the next discoveries, inspire students, and contribute to the communities where we all live and work.
We are fortunate to have a rich legacy of excellence to inspire us. If you walk down Scholars Walk and visit the Wall of Discoveries on the Twin Cities campus, you will see what I mean. We follow in the footsteps of innovators who created drought resistant wheat to feed the world, laid the groundwork for the Internet, led the way in AIDS and Alzheimer’s research and made many other discoveries in every field of study. Over the years, our faculty have prepared more than 455,000 living alumni who lead in business, science, medicine, law, architecture, the arts and many other professions.
And while you will be doing your part to carry on the University’s rich legacy, those of us in the Office of Human Resources will be doing our part to support you and your work. The University is committed to offering you competitive pay, a comprehensive total compensation package, a vibrant campus culture, and opportunities to grow, learn, and lead.
Thank you in advance for the many contributions you will make here. Together, we’ll change the world.
Sincerely,
Ken Horstman
Vice President for Human Resources
Getting Started
There will be a lot of things to learn when you start your new position here at the U. Below are suggested “to-dos” to help you along your onboarding journey. Many of these may already be a part of an onboarding plan developed by your supervisor or department. If you have questions, make sure to check with your supervisor.
Your Onboarding Journey
Gather Required Documentation
I-9 Verification
New employees must provide the needed original documents on or before their first day of work for pay. You should receive information on this requirement in the written offer for your position.
You can start some of the forms before your first day of work for pay by filling out your portion of the online I-9 form. The Employee Guide to Completing the I-9 Form (pdf) is available to help you through the process. This government web page shows what documents you may need to bring to your first day of work. Your employer will also work with you to explain the I-9 process. The federal government requires original documents; photocopies cannot be accepted for the I-9.
Plan Ahead
Parking & Transportation
There are many options for getting to, from, and around campus. Parking and Transportation Services, PTS (Twin Cities PTS website, Duluth PTS website) has everything you'll need to help plan your commute. Visit either our Twin Cities PTS website, or our Duluth PTS website to learn more.
Map Out Your Day
Use our helpful campus maps to find your building, locate the most convenient parking spot, and feel confident navigating around on your first day:
Complete required paperwork
- Fill out employment forms: W-4 form, I-9, etc. You will not be allowed to begin work if you cannot complete the I-9.
Activate Email
- You will be assigned an Internet ID once you are entered into the University's payroll system. The Office of Information Technology can help you set up your email account and password.
Get a U card
- The U Card is your official University of Minnesota photo ID. Your U Card will give you access to many campus facilities and services such as secure work locations, libraries, computer labs, and the Recreation and Wellness Center. You must bring a government-issued photo ID with you when you get your U Card. Check the U Card website for details.
Engage and Explore
- Use this helpful new employee conversation guide (pdf) to get to know your supervisor and others you will work with in your new role.
- Tour your work area and building including the mailroom, break room, emergency exits, restrooms, and parking locations.
Explore MyU
MyU is the place where faculty, staff, and student workers can take care of their personal information, pay, work and vacation schedules, employee benefits, and other work needs. Visit our Human Resources Management System (HRMS) training website to learn more about what you can change on your own. You will need your internet ID and password to log in.
Helpful MyU tips
- Check your emergency contacts and other information under the My Info tab in MyU and sign up for emergency notifications using the SAFE-U system.
- Set up direct deposit to allow payroll to deposit your pay directly to your bank account. You must have your Internet ID and password to do this. To sign up, go to MyU and look at My Pay, and then Direct Deposit Set-Up.
Enroll in Benefits
- New employees must enroll in benefits within 30 days from the start of their employment. University benefits include medical, dental, pharmacy, life insurance, financial counseling, and more. Be sure to read through the Benefits Enrollment Guide (pdf) for information about all University of Minnesota benefits.
- You can enroll in the Wellbeing Program to earn points toward a potential annual savings of $500 or $750 on your University medical rates.
Complete Required Training
- You will receive an email inviting you to take the University Information Security Awareness Training and the Sexual Misconduct, Discrimination, and Retaliation Prevention and Response Training. It's important that you complete these trainings as soon as possible. Check with your supervisor if you have questions about these training requirements.
Learn About Your Employee Group
- University employees belong to either the Labor Represented, Civil Service, P&A, or Faculty employee groups. Ask your supervisor if you don't know your employee group and learn more by visiting our Employee Relations webpage.
Explore Professional Development Opportunities
- Talk to your supervisor about opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills or learn more
Expand Your Community
- Visit the many beautiful campus sites and buildings. Campus maps for the Twin Cities, Crookston, Duluth, Morris, and Rochester will help you find your way around your campus.
- Connect with other employees by visiting the Faculty/Staff Associations website to help make the University of Minnesota a more welcoming and inclusive place to work and learn.