New Employee Onboarding Checklist

This checklist focuses on tasks new hires should complete in order to effectively establish their employment with the University and College.  Please direct questions to your CVM Human Resources Consultant.

(Last Updated: August 2025)

New hires are strongly encouraged to consult the University’s New Employee Orientation Guide which contains additional information on getting established at the University.

Prior to Start

  • Workday Tasks – Complete all onboarding tasks in Workday
  • Employment Paperwork – Complete any documents provided via Docusign
  • Personal Identity Set-Up – Establish your OSU Identity (official username and password)
  • Purchase your parking permit – Review options, costs and guidelines at CampusParc
  • Licenses and/or Certifications – If your job requires you to be licensed and/or have certain certifications, be sure that you have copies or documentation of all required certifications and/or licenses prior to your first day.

Your First Day

  • Obtain your BuckID/CVM ID Badge – Take the email received from the CVM HR Office to the BuckID Office located on the 3rd floor of the Ohio Union to obtain your official ID badge. 
  • Complete Direct Deposit and W4 tax information in Workday – complete this information in order to ensure that your paychecks are direct deposit and your taxes are set up correctly.
  • Complete the University Orientation Modules in BuckeyeLearn – you will receive information on orientation modules covering important information about being an employee at the University.
  • Attend CVM Orientation – your CVM HR will notify you regarding attending the CVM Orientation session on your first day.
  • (Biweekly Paid Staff) Utilize Workday Timeclock in order to submit time and obtain your paycheck – You must enter your time for any onboarding/orientation activities that take place on or after your first day of employment.  This can only be done after you have established your official OSU Identity.  Consult the How to Correct Time Entries in Workday for more information.
  • Learn How to Submit Time Off in Workday – Review the Workday job aids for entering and correcting leave of absences.
  • Discuss with your manager attendance and time and leave processes – Ensure your manager reviews procedures for requesting time off, logging time worked, clocking in and out via Workday, and other important attendance policies.
  • Validate your Workday Information – validate your personal information, your phone number for emergency and important Buckeye Alerts and emergency contact information.
  • Facilities tour – Ask your manager to provide a tour of the facilities, including lunch/break areas, restricted areas, key college areas and offices.

Your First Week

  • (First 3 days) Complete the I-9 Form -You must present 2 forms of ID within 3 days of your hire date.  This requires you to set and complete an in-person appointment at the Office of Human Resources.  You can schedule an appointment online.
  • Review a Benefits Webinar – You have 30 days to enroll in certain benefits programs and longer time for others.  Do not miss the opportunity to enroll by reviewing key benefits webinars.
  • Review the Training Plan – Ask your manager to review the training plan they have established to help you meet expectations and be successful in your job.
  • Review the following items with your manager:
    • Job description and expectations for success
    • Emergency procedures and designation
    • Work schedules and calendars
    • Unit attendance policy
    • Dress code/expectations
    • Office supplies and ordering procedures
    • Overtime policies and procedures for reporting
  • Learn How to Be Safe at Work – Wach the OSU New Employee Safety Orientation video  
  • Prepare in Case of an Active Aggressor in the Workplace – Watch the OSU’s Department of Public Safety Surviving an Active Aggressor training video
  • (Staff only) Review the probationary and first six months performance assessment documents – Review the 6-month performance assessment form and expectations with your manager.  Classified Civil Service staff are required to complete a probationary period, and Unclassified staff are required to have a new employee performance assessment.
  • Review the Organizational Structure of your Department – review the various levels of leadership, faculty, and staff within your department, including roles and responsibilities.
  • Review the Holiday Schedule – If you are required to work holidays, review the University’s recognized holidays and discuss with your manager procedures for scheduling, call-offs, and reporting time.
  • Review University Pay Dates and Deadlines – Be sure to check out the University’s Payroll Office webpage for information on paycheck issue dates and deadlines for submitting time and leave.
  • Complete the Animal Handling Trainings within 7 Days – if you will be exposed and/or working with live animals, you must complete the animal handling training via the online risk assessment.
  • Complete Required Trainings – You must complete required trainings related to sexual misconduct and protecting institutional data.  You will be assigned these trainings in BuckeyeLearn.  You should check your transcript for all assigned trainings.

Your First Month

  • Review Your Plan for Health (YP4H) options – Your Plan for Health offers you the opportunity to complete an Annual Biometric Health Screening and an Annual Personal Health Assessment in order to reduce your health premiums.  In addition, you can review and access important work life resources meant to support your wellness while an employee at Ohio State.
  • Review Employee Assistance Plan offerings – The University’s Employee Assistance Plan offers employees access to free mental health resources, elder and childcare resources and support, legal and financial guidance including financial hardship support.
  • Review Fiscal Related Activities – if your job requires you to submit financial focused transactions for non-travel PCard transactions and/or non-travel expense reimbusements, you must review The Five Steps of Creating An Expense report on the Administrative Resource Center’s webpage – https://admin.resources.osu.edu/workday/workday-for-core-users-finance/create-an-expense-report-non-travel 
  • Review Purchase Resources – Review information on steps to make a purchase.  Review the Create a Requisition to Procure Goods and Services.  Be sure to search the supplier list to learn about suppliers and their products.  In general, use internal suppliers first to see if they can supply what you need, then check other suppliers.

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