AO new employee orientation program moves to half-day format, plus other revisions
For Administrative Operations staff
In 2023 Administrative Operations launched in-person new employee orientation to supplement the university’s online New@Purdue Employee Experience Program. The AO orientation is intended to be relational creating connection and purpose between new hires, their role and the organization.
Given the continued development of the New@Purdue online program, starting Jan. 13, 2025, AOs’ full-day orientation program will be condensed into a half-day morning event. During this time, new hires will receive information from Human Resources regarding university benefits, safety information and instruction from Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) and Emergency Preparedness. Additionally, Talent Development will share an overview of the organization’s purpose, guiding principles, and values. Following these presentations, employees will verify their I-9 information with Payroll staff and address any outstanding credential issues or questions with Talent Development.
Following the morning session, new hires will be met by their supervisor or designated team member at the Physical Facilities Service Building (PFSB). They will have the opportunity to meet their coworkers, receive necessary equipment, visit their worksite, and/or complete any required workgroup-specific training.
To ensure a smooth transition, it is essential that new hires complete all outlined steps below prior to arriving on campus.
|
Step |
Action |
Resource |
|
Background Check |
Candidate inputs information and approves background check through HireRight. |
Email from HireRight with a link sent to the candidate’s personal email. |
|
New Hire Wizard |
A link guides the new hire through the data collection process. |
Email from “Purdue HR” with the subject “Welcome Letter” sent to the personal email. |
|
Receive Username and PUID |
New hire checks for an email titled “Next step for new hire” and calls ITaP. |
Email titled “Next step for new hire.” |
|
Set Password and Account Creation |
New hire calls 765-494-4000, selects Option 1, and follows the operators’ instructions at www.purdue.edu/accountsetup. |
Purdue IT staff assist with setting up the password and completing account creation. |
|
Download Required/Optional Apps |
New hire navigates to the appropriate app store for necessary applications on their mobile device: Duo Mobile (required), Microsoft Authenticator (required) and SAP SuccessFactors (optional). |
QRG available via onboarding coordinators or Talent Development. |
This revised process provides structured engagement from both the onboarding team and supervisors, ensuring a seamless transition for new employees. Active participation throughout the onboarding journey enhances the emotional commitment developed during the early days of employment. Research demonstrates that this level of early engagement can have a significant positive impact on the overall employee experience and long-term retention.
Manager’s Role in Onboarding
The manager’s early involvement is critical in creating a sense of belonging and providing guidance for a smooth transition. This consistent support begins during the interview process and continues throughout onboarding.
Scheduled touchpoints, facilitated through the New@Purdue onboarding program, allow new hires to ask questions and receive feedback. This structure also helps supervisors gain valuable insights into their new team members’ expectations and goals, setting the stage for a productive working relationship.
More information for supervisors on the New@Purdue program can be found here.
Looking Ahead
The goal is to foster a culture of engagement where employees feel connected from the moment they accept their offer. By improving orientation activities, the foundation is laid for a stronger, more engaged workforce, enriching the overall employee experience.
Please note the orientation schedule for 2025 below:
- January 13, 27
- February 10, 24
- March 10, 24
- April 7, 21
- May 5, 19
- June 2, 16, 30
- July 14, 28
- August 11, 25
- September 8, 22
- October 6, 20
- November 3, 17
- December 1
Questions regarding onboarding and the orientation process can be sent to AOcareers@purdue.edu.
Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events, or CRASE, classes provide strategies, guidance and plan options for surviving an active threat event. Topics include the history and prevalence of active shooter events, civilian response options, and preparing in advance what your response will be.
The upcoming sessions are:
Dec. 3 (Tuesday): 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: Yue-Kong Pao Hall of Visual and Performing Arts, Mallett Theatre
Dec. 3 (Tuesday): 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Location: Yue-Kong Pao Hall of Visual and Performing Arts, Room 1197
Dec. 5 (Thursday): 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: Yue-Kong Pao Hall of Visual and Performing Arts, Mallett Theatre
Dec. 9 (Monday): 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: Yue-Kong Pao Hall of Visual and Performing Arts, Room 1197
Dec. 19 (Thursday): 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Location: Wilmeth Active Learning Center, Room 1132
Dec. 19 (Thursday): 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Location: Wilmeth Active Learning Center, Room 1132
For more information about the training and how to register, review a recent Purdue Today article.