New Employee Responsibilities - Human Resources

Before You Arrive

Welcome to Oakland University! As a new employee, you will be asked to complete information online starting with your offer letter and through your electronic onboarding checklist. Typically, your orientation is scheduled with HR when you accepted the position. Please call us ahead of time if you require any special accommodations. If you have questions regarding your onboarding process, please contact the Employment Office at (248) 370-3489.

Form I-9 – OU uses an electronic Form I-9. New employees will be asked to complete the e-form on or before the employment start date and present unexpired identification(s) to the Employment Office at your orientation. The I-9 is part of the onboarding checklist and a list of accepted documents is shown on page 3.

Onboarding Checklist – New employees will be assigned an electronic onboarding checklist prior to the orientation date. An email will be sent from “Oakland University <[email protected]>” to the email address used during the application process. The email will include a link to the checklist to be completed prior to your orientation date. You will log in with the username and password used to apply. If you have any issues logging in to your checklist, please contact HR.

Orientations are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Human Resources Department, located in 430 Wilson Hall. All new employees are required to attend in person. This meeting will take approximately a half hour with all of your e-forms completed prior and your accepted identification(s). Please note: You enter Wilson Hall on the 2nd floor, and the office is on the 4th floor.

New employees can expect to:

Present identification(s) to validate form I-9
Learn about OU services and perks
Receive your Grizzly ID number
Set up OU email address
Be directed to the OU Grizz Card Office

If you have any questions or concerns about the accessibility of the content or documents on this page, please view our Public Accessibility Statement.

Administrative Policies and Procedures

There are certain OU policies and guidelines that are critical for new employees to know and understand. You are responsible for the information in the policies listed below. Please look them over and let us know if you have any questions about how they apply to you in your new role.

Please visit the OU Administrative Policies and Procedures home page.

Your First Day

Congratulations on your new position at Oakland University! Starting off on the right foot is important and we want to make sure you have the tools to help you succeed in your new role. Here are some tips to help your first day start off golden:

Introduce yourself to surrounding co-workers, even if they're not in your department
Set up your desk and voicemail box
Review your job description
Contact the help desk if you need technology assistance at 248-370-HELP
Go for a walk at lunch and view the beautiful campus we have to offer

Benefits Orientation

You will be receiving a Benefits packet at your new hire orientation. You will be scheduled for a Benefits Orientation. The information is also available on the Benefits page.

Departmental Orientation

Orientations to your new department will vary depending upon the type of work you will be performing. Orientations may include familiarization with Administrative Policies and Procedures, Environmental Health and Safety regulations and other emergency procedures. Your supervisor will have access to the new hire checklist to guide them with your department orientation. Please ask your supervisor for additional information.

Your First Weeks

Congratulations! You have now completed your first weeks as an OU Employee. Take some time to enjoy the many things the campus has to offer. Perhaps schedule a lunch in the Oakland Center with a co-worker or go for a walk in the Recreation Center. At this time there are a few employee milestones that occur:

Benefits Selection

By now you should have met with Kara Sheehan, Benefits Assistant, and completed the required enrollment forms for your eligible benefits. If you have not completed this process, contact Kara Sheehan at extension 4207 to schedule an appointment and/or answer any questions you may have.

New Hire Training

There are many training opportunities available to you as an OU Employee. Below are links to specific training options you may have interest in:

Learning & Org Development
Building a Better yOU (Wellness)

Handbook, Contracts and Policies

You should already have received information about your employee group's handbook, contract, or manual. Each contract and/or manual provides detailed information regarding your employment classification within OU. The employee groups are Oakland University Professional Support Association, Oakland University Campus Maintenance & Trades, Police Officers Association of Michigan, Police Officers Labor Council, Administrative Professional Personnel & Confidential Personnel Assistant. You can access your manuals at any time on the ERN Handbooks, Contracts and Policies page.

Your First 6 Months

Probationary Performance Reviews

OUPSA – Probationary performance reviews are required at 2 months, 4 months and 6 months. The supervisor starts the performance review, submits the review to the employee, and meets with the employee. Once the review is completed, it is submitted to HR.

OUCMT – A probationary performance review is required at 3 months. The supervisor starts the performance review, submits the review to the employee, and meets with the employee. Once the review is completed, it is submitted to HR.

The Performance Review Process for MEA/NEA Employees is outlined on the ERN.

Administrative Professional (AP) Employees – Depending on the band and/or position, Administrative Professional employees may serve a one year probation period. A probationary evaluation is not completed.

Performance Evaluations - Administrative Professional (AP) Employees

Performance Evaluations are completed for the evaluation year of July 1 through June 30. During the first months of employment, an AP employee should work with their supervisor to create an evaluation for this review cycle and create goals. More information for AP Performance Reviews can be found on the ERN.

Tuition Assistance Program

An AP employee is eligible for the tuition assistance program after 12 months of employment. OUPSA and OUCMT employees must have completed their probation period.

Union/Bargaining Unit New Hires

Bargaining unit employees hold jobs that are included in contracts between Oakland University and the Police Officers Labor Council; the Police Officers Association of Michigan; the Oakland University Campus Maintenance & Trades (OUCMT/MEA/NEA); and the Oakland University Professional Support Association (OUPSA/MEA/NEA). Policies governing bargaining unit positions are in the contract which is "bargained" for (negotiated) every several years. See the current contracts on the ERN Handbooks, Contracts & Policies page.

Your First Year

Congratulations! You have reached your first anniversary as an employee of Oakland University. Take a moment to reflect on this past year, your successes and contributions.

We hope that you have taken the opportunity to explore some of the many facets of Oakland University. If not, don’t wait for your second anniversary to take advantage of all OU has to offer.

Don't forget!

If you have not already done so, take in a game or meet with one of our Golden Grizzly teams!
Visit one of America’s greatest estate homes, Meadow Brook Hall and learn the history of the home of the founders of Oakland University. If entertainment sparks your interest, be sure to catch a performance at Meadow Brook Theatre or the Department of Music Theatre and Dance.
At Oakland University, we believe in Building a better yOU. Wellness is multidimensional. It includes many components, all of which work together in an individual’s process of improving quality of life and developing a sense of well-being. The model that Oakland University promotes includes physical, intellectual, spiritual, emotional, environmental, social, occupational and financial wellness. Start today on Building a Better yOU.
Has there been someone who made a difference for you as you adjusted to life at OU? There are several award programs designed to give recognition and honor to dedicated and hardworking staff. Learn more about these programs at Employee Recognition.
Step out of your box! Get away from your desk or workstation for a few minutes. Take a walk around campus or have lunch in the Oakland Center. Meet a colleague or just sit in an area with lots of students for a while and absorb some of the enthusiasm and energy!
Hit the books! Oakland is all about educating tomorrow’s leaders and that includes you! Want to pursue another degree? Look into your education benefits and enroll in a class. Sharpen your technical skills or polish your business acumen by taking a Go1 course online.
At this point in your career, you may be focused on the road ahead. You should have had an opportunity in the last year to talk with your supervisor about your performance expectations. Open communication is a key component to success. Take the opportunity to talk with your supervisor about what you enjoy about your work. Talk about career opportunities including, participating on a committee, what training or knowledge your supervisor recommends for you to continue to be successful.
Above all, have fun and enjoy life as a Golden Grizzly.