Human ResourcesNew Hire Guide: First Week

Key Tasks

Prefer to check things off? Download a fillable checklist of the first week key tasks (also outlined below) to print out or check off as you complete each step.

FOR ALL NEW HIRES

Workday Tasks

Tasks will be completed using Workday. To aid in that process, please look at the Quick Reference Guide to Log in to our Workday System, Introduction to Workday video for Amherst College employees, and our Workday Help page.

Please Note: The first three items (personal information, government IDs, I-9 form) on the list must be completed before moving on to the others.  Please consult the Human Resources Office or your supervisor if you are unsure which tasks apply to you.

1. Enter Name, Contact, and Personal Information

• Quick Reference Guide to Personal Information in Workday

2. Edit Government IDs (please enter your social security number in this field)

3. Complete Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility)—you must meet with an HR representative in person within your first three days to show your identification documents

• I-9 Information and Resources

4. Complete Federal Tax Withholding Elections

5. Complete State and Local Tax Withholding Elections

• Quick Reference Guide for Viewing or Changing Tax Withholding Elections

6. Manage Payment Elections (Direct Deposit)

• Quick Reference Guide for Adding or Changing Direct Deposit Information

7. Receipt of Drug Free Schools and Communities Act

8. Receipt of Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

Make an appointment with the Office of Human Resources to complete the I-9 Form

Register for required trainings (see Learning & Development Offerings and Opportunities section below)

Identification Card: Contact the Office of Human Resources at hr@amherst.edu or 413-542-2372 for an ID Authorization Form. Next steps will come from ID Services.

Parking Sticker: Visit the Parking Information & Regulation page and fill out the appropriate form (Login required). Permits are issued by Amherst College Police.

NON-CASUAL NEW HIRES ONLY

Complete the New Employee Acknowledgement Form

Benefits Orientation

1. Schedule a meeting with Philip Chapman-Bell, Benefits Specialist by calling 413-542-5403 or emailing pcchapmanbell@amherst.edu.

2. Complete the Insurance & LTD Eligibility Questionnaire in Workday

3. Complete the Change Benefits task in Workday (Quick Reference Guides for Benefits on Workday). Note: benefits elections must be completed within your first 30 days. The next opportunity to make elections or changes is during the next annual Open Enrollment period.

CASUAL NEW HIRES ONLY

Casual Agreement (completed in Workday)

Connect With Your Supervisor (Staff Members Only)

Your supervisor will provide an overview of your department's purpose, structure, goals, practices and procedures. 

Your supervisor will clarify when you and other team members are expected to be online and available. 

Your supervisor will share the platforms used for communication and connection (email, zoom, slack, phone, etc.). Discuss preferences of communication methods.

Discuss preferences to share and receive meaningful feedback.

Learning & Development Offerings and Opportunities

Role based training

Register for required compliance trainings (must be completed within 30 days)

• Compliance and Ethics Training

• Employee Sexual Respect Training

• Environmental and Health Safety trainings (an invitation will be sent from notice@traincaster.com)

• IT Security Awareness Program (Amherst CyberSecurity Training invitation will be sent by email from the KnowBe4 platform)

• Title IX and Bystander Training 

Being Part of the Amherst College Community

Explore the Campus Map

Mark your calendar to attend upcoming New Hire Meetups

Learn about our Amherst Appreciations Program and send a Staff Shout-Out to a staff member who helped you get oriented

Subscribe to departmental newsletters that are of interest to you

Review the available Colleague Resource Groups and participate in any that are of interest to you.

Review the Amherst College Police and Safety Contact Information

• Learn more about Amherst College Police and see links to further safety information

Additional resources you may find useful during your time at Amherst College.

Amherst College Initiatives

• Climate Action Plan
• Spring 2022 Community Sexual Respect and Sexual Misconduct Review
• Taking Action Against Racism

Benefits

Educational Assistance Program and/or taking classes at Amherst College

Holiday Schedule

Ombudsperson

Rental Properties Bulletin Board

Technical support / IT

Visual Identity Toolkit

Surrounding Community Resources

• Town & Valley: A sample of places to visit in the area 
• Valley Almanac 2022-2023 (compiled by the Daily Hampshire Gazette)
• Amherst Area Visitor Guide (Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce)