Orientation Sessions
New Employee Orientation Part 1
New Employee Orientation is the best way for newcomers to Northwestern to get to know the University. You learn what you need to know to begin working here, develop appreciation for the excellence of the Northwestern community and familiarize yourself with the University's many resources.
» Find Upcoming Orientation Sessions and Locations
We will talk about how Northwestern started and where we are today, the NU environment and all the perks that employees receive. Benefits counselors will discuss health, retirement and tuition benefits, answer questions, and help you select the coverage you need. This is the fastest and easiest way for you to access information about your specific benefits needs and make the necessary selections to ensure your coverage begins as soon as possible. This session is designed for staff members, and faculty members are welcome to attend, particularly for information on employment benefits, which are covered from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. Spouses and partners of staff members are also welcome to attend the benefits portion of orientation. For more information, please contact the Learning & Organization Development team at 847-491-7459.
- New Employee Orientation Part 1 is held every week (usually on Wednesday), from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., alternating between the Evanston campus and the Chicago campus.
- Because Orientation locations vary from week to week, be sure to check the University's online calendar for each session's specific location.
- No registration is required for New Employee Orientation Part 1.
- Please bring your Benefits Packet with you to Orientation.
New Employee Orientation Part 2
New Employee Orientation Part 2 is an important part of the onboarding process with the University. This free, interactive event will give new employees an opportunity to hear from a Northwestern senior leader about where the University is today and where we are headed. New employees will get to participate in valuable workshops about NU's "Standards for Business Conduct" (the University's major policies and procedures, including the prevention of discrimination and harassment) and NU's "Performance Excellence" process (for good goal setting and communication). New employees will also have an opportunity to talk with other new NU colleagues during a network-building lunch.
Staff are encouraged to attend NEO Part 2 two to four months after hiring and after attending NEO Part 1. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required for the entire day, which begins with breakfast at 8:30 a.m. The day will end for non-managers at 3:30 p.m. Supervisors are encouraged to stay later for a special workshop on managing the Performance Excellence process, leaving by 4:30 p.m.
Annual New Employee Reception
The Annual New Employee Reception is an event on each campus that gives employees in their first year an opportunity to mix, mingle and build cross-campus connections. Light refreshments will be served and a free raffle will be held. Prizes include a free professional development workshop and NU gear.
Guests will also enjoy a special presentation by Jennifer Green, artistic director of the Piven Theatre and adjunct faculty member in Northwestern's Masters Program of Learning and Organizational Change: Improvisation in Everyday Life: Team Building, Networking, and Conversation Starting. Break the ice, build community and find connections. Networking can be fun, easy and dynamic. Let conversation and improvisation improve your ability to collaborate, cooperate and start new dialogues to inspire your working environment.
Look for registration information for the 2013 Annual New Employee Reception in October.