Skip to main content

New Employee Onboarding Checklist

Welcome to the University of Michigan community! We are delighted to have you on board. As a new employee, we understand that the onboarding process can be overwhelming, which is why we have put together a comprehensive set of resources to help you navigate your new role and settle into your new work environment. We encourage you to adopt a proactive approach to onboarding, utilizing this checklist as a valuable resource to efficiently integrate into the university community and begin making meaningful contributions. If you have any questions or concerns throughout the onboarding process, please don't hesitate to reach out to your supervisor or your department’s human resource representative for support.

Download the Onboarding Checklist for New Employees

Use your U-M ID and login credentials to access an editable version of the onboarding checklist for new employees in Google Drive. This checklist is routinely updated, please revisit and download with each new hire. To print this webpage, follow the printing instructions designed for your device.

Begin Your Onboarding Journey

Game board of new employee onboarding first five steps

Questions?

Do you have questions or are you willing to provide feedback to the U-M Onboarding team? Email [email protected].

Checklist Items

First Day
Complete I-9, in person, by appointment on or before the first day

Obtain an MCard or update your MCard, by appointment on or before the first day

Purchase a parking permit (if applicable) or know how you will get to work

Meet with direct supervisor (either in-person or virtually)

Visit your work space and take a tour of the department (if applicable)

Obtain access codes and/or key(s) for doors

Review the New Employee Orientation website

Complete the Ann Arbor Campus Self-Guided New Employee Orientation

[Hiring manager to add department-specific tasks]
First Week
Set up direct deposit to receive your paychecks

Complete the following required training: Cultivating a Culture of Respect

Be introduced to department colleagues

Have lunch with your direct supervisor and/or a department gathering (in person or virtually)

If your position is not fully on site, complete either the Remote Work Agreement or Flexible Workplace Agreement, as directed by your supervisor

Learn how to use the phone, fax and copy machines

Speak with your manager about your work plan for the next 30 days

Meet your role success sponsor (if applicable)

Access your department’s intranet (if applicable)

Explore the “About U-M” section of the onboarding page

[Hiring manager to add department-specific tasks]
First 30 Days
Elect or waive your benefits before your first 30 days

Check with your manager on your work plan for the next three to nine months

Connect with your role success sponsor via meeting, emails, or phone calls (if applicable)

Review the U-M Staff Handbook

Review the SPG 601.07 Responsible Use of Information Resources

If you are a new employee (and not an internal transfer), visit “Employee Self-Service” within the “Faculty and Staff” section of Wolverine Access and complete each task below:

Add emergency contact information

Complete state and federal W-4 forms tax exemptions

Update your preferred name, if applicable

Designate life insurance and retirement plan beneficiaries

Complete surveys such as the Racial/Ethnic Survey, Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability, Veteran Data, and Designated Pronouns

Visit MCommunity and edit your profile to include your pronouns, edit your NameCoach, and view how to set your away message for your umich email

Verify or update the mobile number currently enrolled for U-M emergency alerts and download the Michigan app

Review the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI): The Basics online module

Review the Reporting Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct online module.

Explore area specific resources (Michigan Medicine, Flint, or Dearborn) on the onboarding page (if applicable)

Explore the “U-M Policies” section of the onboarding page

Explore the “U-M Benefits” section of the onboarding page

[Hiring manager to add department-specific tasks]
31- 90 Days
Meet with your manager to review your work plan

Meet with your manager and receive constructive feedback on your work performance

Explore the “Payroll and Compensation” section of the onboarding page

Explore the “Employee Support Resources” section of the onboarding page

Explore the “Career and Professional Development Resources” section of the onboarding page

Explore the “Workplace Resources” section of the onboarding page

Explore the “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)” section of the onboarding page

Explore the “International Staff” section of the onboarding page

Explore the “Health and Well-Being” section of the onboarding page

Explore the “About Ann Arbor” section of the onboarding page

[Hiring manager to add department-specific tasks]
Four to Six Months
Meet with your manager to review your work plan

Meet with your manager and receive constructive feedback on your work performance

Participate on committees and teams (if interested/applicable)

[Hiring manager to add department-specific tasks]

Organizational Learning