Getting started
Welcome to VCU! A world unlike any other.
To help ensure a smooth transition into your new job, please complete all of the necessary new employee paperwork outlined below. Some of the new employee paperwork must be completed before you come to work or within your first week or month. Use the New Employee Checklist to know what you must do and when. If you have questions, be sure to check with your HR contact.
We want all employees to have an exceptional experience at VCU. We hope you enjoy a long and rewarding career here. There is a lot to learn and do as a new employee and it's our job to guide you.
Before your first day
Learn about VCU’s culture before you arrive. Locate important information about required forms, employee benefits and life at VCU. You have many resources to help you prepare for your first day at work.
Do:
- Review communications and follow instructions provided by your department’s personnel administrator about completing employment eligibility documents.
- Use the New Employee Checklist as your guide for employment paperwork and benefits information.
- Become familiar with your VCU health benefits by taking advantage of ALEX - our multimedia tool that describes faculty and staff benefits.
- Check in with your department! It is a good idea to confirm your arrival time, determine where to park, find out where to go and who will meet you on your first day at work.
Learn:
- Learn about VCU by browsing the university’s website.
- Read about VCU’s core values and strategic plan by reviewing the Quest for Distinction.
- Find out more about the focus on diversity and equity at VCU.
- Jot down any questions you have about benefits, work expectations, personnel policies and practices, or the university. The first few day and weeks provide many learning opportunities, so be sure you inquire about things that are important to you.
Your first day/week
Find out what you need to do and learn to be ready for your first day.
Do:
- Arrive on time.
- Submit all required paperwork and employment eligibility documentation to your department HR professional or HR associate (HRP/HRA). Use the New Employee Checklist as your guide.
- Obtain a VCUCard ID with help from your HR professional or HR associate (HRP/HRA).
- Obtain a permit to park in university owned lots; contact the appropriate Parking Office. You will need to provide your license plate number in order to obtain the permit.
- Work with your department to gain access to email and VCU systems including VCU RealTime, the university's online timekeeping management system.
- Talk with your supervisor about your exemption status. Nonexempt employees are eligible for overtime pay or overtime leave and must therefore keep track and record all of their hours using VCU RealTime. Once you receive your eID, you can access VCU RealTime training online through Talent@VCU. After logging in, search for the course in the search box.
- Complete the VCU Safety Awareness Orientation.
Learn:
- Learn your way around campus by viewing campus maps.
- Meet with your supervisor to review your job description and learn about the responsibilities and expectations for your position. Find out if there is training required for your new position. Is there a certain time frame during which this training must be completed? What projects will you be working on initially?
- Review and sign the New Employee Training and Policy Checklist so you can start learning about important VCU policies, procedures, guidelines and trainings.
- Learn how to maintain a safe and healthy environment at VCU and remember to sign up for VCU text alerts.
Your first month
Start to get settled into life at VCU and remember the following:
Do:
- Attend New Employee Orientation and finalize your benefits enrollments.
- Complete the online Safety Awareness Orientation within the first 60 days of employment.
- Enroll in (or waive) health care benefits. Learn more about health care, dental, and employee assistance programs. Use the interactive Alex tool to help you compare plans and project annual expenses.
- Sign up for a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to save money pretax for health care expenses. See the bottom of page 3 of the State Health Benefits Plan Enrollment form.
- Start saving for retirement. Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) is mandatory and 5% of your pretax income will be automatically contributed. This does not require any action. You are also encouraged to participate in one of VCU's retirement savings programs that are offered in addition to the VRS. Beginning 60 days from your start date, unless you choose to change your contributions or the vendor, a pretax contribution of $20/pay period will automatically be made from your paycheck to a TIAA account. Visit the retirement section under benefits for more information about plans and resources.
- Select a beneficiary (optional form for life insurance and VRS retirement benefits you may submit at any time).
- Enroll in the VRS Optional Group Life Insurance within 31 days of hire date to enroll without evidence of insurability.
- Work with your supervisor to set performance goals and priorities, and to do career development planning in Talent@VCU. Meet with your manager regularly to initiate coaching and performance feedback.
- Start taking advantage of VCU employee benefits:
- Check the employee discounts section for select codes on a variety of services.
- Check the tuition waiver section if you are interested in continuing your education in a VCU undergraduate, graduate, or first-professional degree course.
- Go on a tour of VCU given by VCU Student Ambassadors.
Learn:
- Learn about your new job. Meet your colleagues, find out about your department’s processes and systems as well as your department’s culture.
- Be aware of VCU’s holiday and payday schedules and be aware of VCU’s leave benefits.
- Stay healthy. Check out VCU’s gym memberships and other health and fitness opportunities.
- Check out work/life wellness resources that include financial and health workshops.
- Learn about VCU's Code of Conduct and Universitywide Policies.
Your first 90 days
Do:
- Proactively schedule time to meet with your manager to have a 90 day performance conversation. Discuss and adjust your goals and priorities to keep them on track.
- Make sure you have completed required training.
- Be sure to stay up to date on the latest events going on at VCU
- Attend a VCU athletic event and cheer on the Rams!
Learn:
- Sign up for free learning and development opportunities
- Become familiar with VCU’s performance management process
- Learn how to get involved at VCU through service opportunities and more on the Community Engagement website.
In your first year
Do:
- Identify an informal mentor to help you build your network and learn how to build trust with others across VCU. A mentor can also help you understand the organizational culture and politics at the university.
- Discuss career development and plans for the future with your manager. Explore taking classes at VCU and the benefit of the tuition benefit program.
- Recognize another employee for a job well done.
Learn:
- Review the performance review process. Be prepared for your annual review and be ready to complete your self evaluation.