New Employee Onboarding
Welcome to the University of Maryland!
We’re excited to have you join our vibrant campus community! Your journey at UMD is more than just a new job—it’s an opportunity to thrive in a dynamic and supportive environment.
Our New Employee Onboarding program is designed as a comprehensive, planned approach to help you integrate into the UMD community. While orientation is a vital first step, onboarding encompasses much more, providing you with the tools, resources, and connections you need to succeed.
Start by reviewing the recommended onboarding timeline which includes new employee resources, UHR Orientations, overviews of university policies and procedures, and online training modules. These steps will lay a strong foundation for your success and help you navigate your first days, months, and beyond.
At UMD, we’re committed to your professional growth and well-being. Welcome to the Terrapin family—we look forward to supporting you every step of the way!
Before Your First Day
The first step in your pre-onboarding journey is the New Staff Employee Welcome Packet—a valuable resource designed to guide you from signing your offer letter to your first day, ensuring a smooth and confident transition to UMD.
The next step in your pre-onboarding process is to complete several important actions using the following links. These will ensure you’re fully prepared for your first day at UMD:
- Self-Service Activities: in Workday: Updating your Worker Profile and completing pre-onboarding tasks. (Example: I9 Verification / Uploading Documents)
- Retirement Plan Selection: Be sure to select your retirement plan by your first workday, or you will be defaulted to the State Employees' Pension System. Retirement plans (Pension / ORP) are now elected in Workday. Supplemental plans will still be elected outside of Workday.
- Campus Parking Permits: Your department’s transportation coordinator will assist you in obtaining your parking permit and completing the necessary forms.
- Learning Your Directory ID: Find your University Directory ID by entering your name in the online directory. If a campus email has been created for you, your ID will be the beginning of your email address.
Week 1
Welcome to your week at the University of Maryland! We are excited to have you join our team and look forward to supporting you as you begin your journey with us. Today marks the start of your unique and rewarding experience at UMD, and we’re here to help you settle in, connect with your colleagues, and succeed in your new role.
We know there’s a lot to take in, but be sure to complete the following tasks:
- Departmental Onboarding/Orientation: Connect with your department’s onboarding or orientation program to gain role-specific knowledge, expectations, and resources tailored to your team and unit’s unique operations.
- University ID Card: Visit the Information Desk in the Mitchell Building to receive your UMD ID card.
- UHR Orientations: Participate in UHR’s orientation programs to access essential information, resources, and connections that will help you integrate seamlessly into the UMD community and thrive in your new role.
- Benefits and Wellness Options: Take time to review UMD’s comprehensive benefits and wellness options, including health and dental insurance, supplemental retirement plans, tuition remission, and wellness programs. Bring your questions to a UHR-hosted orientation to make the most of these valuable resources.
As you begin your journey at UMD, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the UMD Navigation Model. Due to the large and decentralized nature of the institution, this model is designed to help you quickly find the information you need.
Start by utilizing Self Service, where you can search UMD’s knowledge articles, checklists, and departmental websites—these resources often provide the answers you need right away.
If you need more specific guidance, reach out to Department Representatives, the subject matter experts within your department.
Finally, for any remaining questions, you can contact Central Units via service nets, email, or phone.
Using this model helps you tap into the resources you already have access to, allowing you to resolve most queries efficiently before seeking out more specialized information. A visual of the navigation model will follow to help guide you.
First Month
During your first month at UMD, it’s important to complete any additional required training to ensure you’re fully equipped with the knowledge and tools to succeed in your role. These trainings are essential for your ongoing development and integration into the UMD community.
TerrapinSTRONG
All new employees to UMD must take TerrapinSTRONG within two weeks of their hire day. TerrapinSTRONG onboarding helps participants feel welcomed to the University of Maryland, learn our history and traditions, and understand our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Each new Terp creates an individualized action plan to stay connected to the tenets of TerrapinSTRONG moving forward.
Preventing Harassment & Discrimination (Non-Supervisor or Supervisor) Clery Act and Title IX
The Office of Civil Rights & Sexual Misconduct (OCRSM) requires new employees to complete the Preventing Harassment & Discrimination (Non-Supervisor or Supervisor): Clery Act and Title IX digital course available on Workday, within 30 days of hire.
Security Awareness Training
“Defending Your Shell” is a basic cybersecurity awareness training created to fulfill the state of Maryland’s expectation that all employees receive cybersecurity awareness information each year. The material is divided into five modules, each with corresponding quizzes that can be completed at your convenience. The entire series takes approximately 60 minutes to complete.