Welcome to Bridgewater College. There’s a lot to learn about the college as a new employee and these checklists are meant to help guide you on a path for success.
For New Employees
We are dedicated to supporting new staff with the resources and guidance they need for a successful transition. This timeline outlines key steps and important milestones to help navigate the onboarding process.
Prior to your start date
- Accept your offer letter. This will initiate your background check and onboarding process
- Review and complete the new hire checklist, sent securely by our HR Team which includes Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 Form, Staff Handbook or Faculty Handbook for policies
- Receive or request an itinerary that includes a schedule, where to park, where to report
- If your work requires any specialty equipment or software, discuss with your supervisor
- Other campus resources to familiarize yourself with:
First day
- Arrive on campus based on itinerary from supervisor
- Attend IT training covering employee ID, account login, myBC, vehicle registration initiation, emergency alert sign-up and IT helpdesk
- Attend the HR training covering benefits review, I9/W4 completion, policies/handbook review and Paycom training
- Meet with department supervisor for office tour and introductory meeting including:
- Receive office key and work order system access
- Tour office supplies, copier, mail & printing services, breakroom, etc.
- Subscribe to myBC Campus daily bulletin emails
- Finish computer setup if necessary with IT technician
- Wifi & Network Setup
- help@bridgewater.edu
- If you’re calling from an on-campus phone, dial HELP (4357). If you’re calling from an off-campus phone, dial 540-828-4357
- Setup email on your phone
- Configure your BC signature
- Share calendar with departmental co-workers
- Order name tags, business cards and office placards
First week
- Meet with supervisor to review job description and set expectations
- Review employee handbook (or faculty handbook), policies library, brand guide and graphic identity manual.
- Begin training modules on Canvas: data security, sexual violence prevention, active shooter, bystander intervention
- Review myBC, the college’s intranet including Campus Bulletin
- Learn about Smitty’s coffee and the main dining hall in Kline Campus Center (KCC)
- Current menu
- Lunch is $6 for faculty/staff (discounts for guests)
- “Green box” takeout containers available for one-time $5
- Discuss staff holidays, summer hours, work expectations for commencement, PTO
- Fitness, wellness and yoga opportunities shared in This Week at BC email during semester
- All campus events are free and attendance is encouraged
- Bring your ID for free entry to paid athletic events
- Complete training modules on Canvas by end of the first week
First month
- Attend a campus tour with a cohort of new employees and lunch at the KCC with HR staff
- Review college’s strategic plan and department’s goals and objectives for the year
- Meet with a mentor outside your department through the Co-Pilot program
- Attend faculty assembly if applicable
First year
Months 2-3
- Prepare for or initiate a 90-day discussion with your supervisor to review your progress in meeting the requirements of the position
- Identify potential skill gaps to be addressed through training and professional development
Months 4-6
- Check-in on the progress of your contributions to your department’s Goals and Objectives
- Assess your personal goals and objectives related to annual Performance Review
Months 7-12
- Complete and discuss Performance Review with your supervisor
- Contribute to the annual assessment of department’s Goals and Objectives
- Participate in your department’s annual Goals and Objectives development
For Managers of New Employees
Managers are key to supporting new employees as they begin their path to a successful and rewarding career. This timeline outlines essential steps and considerations for effectively planning and guiding a new hire.
- Connect with your new hire at least 14 days prior to their start date to welcome them
- Identify staff in your department to assist with onboarding, including role-specific responsibilities, task training and introductions to colleagues
- Outline and share a first day itinerary with your new hire including schedule, where to park, when/where to report and HR and IT training details
- If your new hire has an assigned office, make arrangements for their office key and ensure IT is aware of any specialized equipment/software needed
- Communicate the arrival to your department staff
- Ensure your new hire is comfortable walking to their HR and IT training sessions
- Provide your new hire with keys and a tour of the office and surrounding relevant spaces on campus as necessary
- Familiarize them with nearest exits, bathrooms, fire extinguishers, water fountain, etc.
- Discuss HR training modules and outline the timeline for completion within first week of hire
- Confirm computer setup is satisfactory
- Create an informal space for your department to meet the new hire (lunch, coffee, etc)
- Assist with placing order for nametags, business cards and office placards
- Review your new hire’s job description and set expectations
- Familiarize them with nearest exits, bathrooms, fire extinguishers, water fountain, etc.
- Communicate the arrival of your new hire with key contacts across campus
- Visit relevant spaces on campus your new hire must be familiar with to complete their work
- Ensure your new hire has completed all HR training satisfactorily by end of first week. HR will communicate this during orientation
- Talk to your new hire about faculty assemblies if applicable
- Regularly check in with your employee. A recurring weekly one-on-one meeting is ideal to start
- Schedule a meeting to discuss annual Performance Review processes and goal setting
Months 2–3
- Schedule and conduct a 90-day discussion with your employee to review their progress in meeting the requirements of the position
- Discuss perceived skill gaps and suggest training and professional development
Months 4–6
- Coach your employee on available resources and colleagues on campus to grow professional network
- Identify opportunities on campus for your employee to contribute
Months 7–12
- Schedule and conduct Performance Review with your employee
- Seek input from your employee on their contributions to your department’s annual Goals and Objectives development
- Begin to plan for the next year’s goals
- Celebrate your employee’s milestones and progress
