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New Employee

As a new employee, it is essential to set yourself up for success by taking the necessary steps to acclimate to your new workplace. Begin by registering for orientation or any required training for your position. Additionally, explore other valuable resources, such as employee handbooks, policies and procedures, and online training modules. Taking these initial steps can lay the foundation for a successful and fulfilling career with your new employer.


New Employee Orientation (NEO): This program is offered in parts: biweekly (required for bargaining eligible employees), monthly (Day One), and quarterly (Day Two). It provides insights into UMD’s history, organizational culture, and values, more in-depth information on university resources (perks, benefits, tools, etc.), and identification of key policies and procedures.

Campus Parking Permits: Your department’s transportation coordinator will assist you in obtaining your parking permit and completing the required forms.

Learning Your Directory ID: Enter your name in the University’s online directory. Your ID appears immediately below your name and is generally the initial of your first name and the first seven letters of your last name. If a campus email account has already been created for you, your ID will show up as the beginning of your email address. You can also click the Find Your University Directory Entry button from the link to the left. Suppose you do not have a Directory ID. In that case, your department has not yet created your appointment in the University’s employment database. Contact them to find out how soon they can do so.

Email and Password: At the bottom of this webpage, you can choose your password, accept or change the Directory ID you have been assigned, and set up your email account. ALL employees should have a MAIL@UMD.EDU account. 

University ID Card: The Information Desk located in the Mitchell Building lobby provides ID cards. Simply bring a photo ID, such as a driver’s license, get your picture taken, and immediately receive your ID card. The Information Desk is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. A University ID card is required to utilize University Library services.

Retirement Plan Selection: Employees must select a retirement plan by their first work day. If the plan is not selected, the employee will default to the State Employees’/Teachers’ Alternate Pension System.)



Required Training

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.

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Responding Effectively to Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct

The Office of Civil Rights & Sexual Misconduct (OCRSM) will assign new employees required online compliance training within 30 days of hire. All new employees will be assigned the Responding Effectively to Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct training.

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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.

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