UHR Orientations
Welcome to the University of Maryland, College Park!
We are thrilled to welcome you to our vibrant campus community and look forward to supporting your transition into your new role.
UHR's Orientation series is an essential part of your onboarding journey, designed to:
- Inform: Provide an overview of key policies, procedures, responsibilities, and resources critical to your success.
- Empower: Equip you with tools to navigate the university, access benefits, and take advantage of professional development opportunities.
- Connect: Build relationships with fellow new employees and foster a sense of belonging in our campus community.
Program Overview:
- In-Person Orientation (bi-weekly, required for bargaining unit employees): A dynamic session featuring an introduction to UMD, an overview of employee benefits, a welcome from AFSCME, and interactive opportunities to connect with colleagues.
- Virtual Orientation Day 1 (monthly): Includes a campus overview, detailed benefits presentation, sessions on wellbeing and safety, and resources to help you thrive. Note: This does not substitute for the required In-Person NEO for bargaining unit employees.
- Virtual Orientation Day 2 (quarterly in January, April, July, and October): Offers additional insights from campus offices, discussion forums, and opportunities to deepen your campus connections and enrich your employee experience.
- New Supervisor Orientation (monthly): Provides essential tools, resources, and insights tailored to new and recently promoted supervisors, helping you navigate your leadership role and build connections across the UMD community.
Learn more about each program:
Special Note:
In-Person Orientation is required for employees in bargaining unit positions.
When to Attend:
Attend within your first two weeks.
Course Description:
Begin your UMD journey with our interactive In-Person Orientation session, held bi-weekly on campus. This engaging program provides essential information and resources to help you succeed in your new role and connect with the university community.
What You’ll Learn:
- Explore UMD’s mission, values, and key policies.
- Gain a comprehensive overview of employee benefits.
- Learn about time entry, Workday processes, and payroll essentials through informative presentations.
- Understand AFSCME’s role at UMD and connect with your union representatives (required for bargaining unit employees).
- Discover well-being resources and foster connections with your new colleagues.
Agenda Highlights:
- Welcome & Check-In
- Benefits Presentation
- Wellbeing at UMD
- Time Entry/Workday Presentation (Recorded)
- Payroll Presentation (Recorded)
- AFSCME Presentation
This session ensures you have the tools, knowledge, and connections to navigate your position confidently and thrive at UMD.
Special Note:
In-Person Orientation is required for employees in bargaining unit positions. Virtual Orientation Day 1 cannot be substituted for In-Person Orientation attendance.
When to Attend:
Join during your first month.
Course Description:
Kickstart your career at the University of Maryland with Virtual Orientation Day 1, a full-day interactive session designed to provide essential information, resources, and connections. This program ensures you have the tools and knowledge to thrive in your new role.
What You’ll Learn:
- Understand UMD’s mission, values, and policies.
- Gain insights into employee benefits, including health, retirement, and tuition remission.
- Learn about well-being resources to support your health and safety.
- Explore time entry, payroll, and technology tools for success.
- Familiarize yourself with transportation services and campus navigation.
Agenda Highlights:
- Welcome & Foundations: Meet Learning & Talent Development and your fellow new employees.
- Benefits Overview: Health, retirement, and tuition remission, with live Q&A.
- Employee Well-being & Safety: Resources from the University Health Center (UHC), Faculty Staff Assistance Program (FSAP), the University of Maryland Police Department (UMPD), and Environmental, Safety, Sustainability, and Risk (ESSR).
- Essential Information & Resources: Time entry, payroll, transportation, and technology essentials.
- Wrap-Up & Evaluations: Reflect on the session and share feedback.
This session is your foundation for a successful career at UMD, offering a blend of essential information, support, and community-building opportunities.
When to Attend:
Participate within your first three months.
Course Description:
Strengthen your engagement with the University of Maryland through Virtual NEO Day 2, a quarterly orientation designed to enrich your employee experience and foster community connections.
What You’ll Learn:
- Gain insights from key campus offices to enhance your understanding of UMD’s resources.
- Learn about UMD’s policies, shared governance, and sustainability efforts.
- Explore wellness, belonging, and professional growth opportunities available to employees.
- Build connections with fellow employees and engage in discussions to support your integration into the campus community.
Agenda Highlights:
- Making a Difference at UMD: Presentations from the Office of Community Engagement and Office of Sustainability, plus insights on policy and shared governance.
- Wellness & Belonging at UMD: Sessions on University Recreation & Wellness, UHR Leave Management, the Office of Diversity & Inclusion, and a TerrapinSTRONG follow-up.
This session is your opportunity to deepen your connection to UMD, enhance your employee experience, and build a sense of belonging on campus.
When to Attend:
Attend within your first month as a supervisor.
Course Description:
Embark on your supervisory journey with our New Supervisor Orientation, a monthly program designed to equip new and recently promoted supervisors with the essential tools, resources, and insights to thrive in their leadership roles at UMD.
What You’ll Learn:
- Understand UMD’s mission, values, and supervisory expectations.
- Gain an overview of key policies, HR systems, and workforce planning processes.
- Learn about budgeting, compliance, and other critical operational practices.
- Explore resources for building strong teams and fostering employee engagement.
- Connect with fellow supervisors and campus leaders for ongoing support.
Agenda Highlights:
- Welcome & Transitioning to Your Supervisory Role
- Budgeting & Fiscal Management Overview
- HR Systems & Workforce Planning
- Policies, Regulations, and Compliance Essentials
- Technology Tools for Supervisors
- Q&A and Networking
This orientation is your first step toward confidently navigating your role, building strong connections, and leading with impact at UMD.
Recommended Orientation Pathway for Individual Contributors:
Recommended Orientation Pathway for New and Recently Promoted Supervisors:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine if I am in a bargaining unit position?
You can verify your bargaining unit status by logging into Workday and navigating to your Worker Profile. Select the Job tab, then click on Bargaining and Exempt Status. Under CB Code, you will see whether your position is classified as Bargaining or Non-Bargaining.
Am I required to attend all of the UHR Orientations?
Employees in bargaining unit positions are required to attend In-Person Orientation and are strongly encouraged to attend both days of Virtual Orientation. Employees in non-bargaining unit positions are highly encouraged to participate in both days of Virtual Orientation.
Additionally, new and recently promoted supervisors are strongly encouraged to attend their respective In-Person or Virtual Orientations as well as the New Supervisor Orientation to fully support their transition into leadership roles.
What should I do if I am in a bargaining unit position but can't attend In-Person Orientation?
Attendance at In-Person Orientation is a requirement for all employees in bargaining unit positions. If you are unable to attend your scheduled session, it’s important to notify Learning and Talent Development as soon as possible. They can assist you in rescheduling or exploring alternative options. Please reach out to the team at traindev@umd.edu for assistance.
Can I substitute Virtual Orientation Day 1 for In-Person Orientation?
No, In-Person Orientation is required for all employees in bargaining unit positions and cannot be substituted with Virtual Orientation Day 1. Each session is designed to cover distinct topics and meet specific needs. Employees in bargaining unit positions should ensure they attend an In-Person Orientation session to fulfill this requirement. If you are unable to attend, please contact Learning and Talent Development at traindev@umd.edu for assistance.
Who can I contact for questions about UHR's Orientation programs?
For assistance or questions about UHR's orientation programs, including In-Person Orientation, Virtual Orientation Day 1, Virtual Orientation Day 2, or New Supervisor Orientation, please reach out to the Learning and Talent Development team at traindev@umd.edu. They are happy to help with any inquiries or support you may need.