Professional & Organizational Development

Welcome Day employee orientation

New employees with home departments on the Seattle, Tacoma and Bothell campuses are required to complete Welcome Day either online or in-person, an orientation that explores the UW Employee Benefits package and the importance of creating and maintaining an inclusive learning and work environment. Register for an upcoming session and explore other orientation activities and resources.

Content includes:

  • Perks and opportunities
  • Health and safety
  • Diversity, equity and inclusion
  • Addressing discrimination and harassment
  • Benefits
  • Union information

In addition, Welcome Day introduces the UW Employee Benefits package, including retirement plan options, and provides you with resources and contacts to receive guidance and ask questions about your benefits selections. Since most enrollment deadlines fall within 31 days of an employee’s eligibility date, you are urged to complete this Welcome Day course during your first few weeks of employment.

For questions please contact welcomeday@uw.edu.

New employees that are represented by the WA Federation of State Employees (WFSE), United Auto Workers Postdoctoral Scholars (UAW – Postdoc), or Service Employees International Union 925 (SEIU Local 925 and IHME) unions that work on the Seattle campus are required to attend in-person. Not sure if your position is represented by a union? Please reach out to us at welcomeday@uw.edu.

All other employees and remote employees need to complete one session, either in-person or online, not both. Please register for a session below:

Please register:

OR

Other orientation activities

The orientation process for new employees at the University of Washington has many facets and includes both required and recommended activities. In addition to University-sponsored training and orientations, your manager and department likely have their own onboarding procedures and activities. This New Employee Checklist (PDF) may help you ensure a complete and successful orientation experience. Also, please view the university’s other required trainings for all employees.

New supervisors should also attend SLP Supervisor Orientation, at no cost to you or your department, to gain a deeper understanding of their role in human resources administration at the UW.

Additional opportunities

Succeeding at your job may require you to learn new concepts and develop additional skills. POD’s quarterly courses include a number of foundational courses in key areas, including communications, fiscal procedures, human resources administration, supervision, leadership, and personal growth.

If you are a new supervisor, you may have the opportunity to participate in the Strategic Leadership Program at no cost to you or your department.