Welcome New Employees
Congratulations on your new position, and welcome to Northwestern University! You’ve picked a great place to work, and we’re glad to have you here.
Keep in mind that onboarding is a process that takes several months. Take your time to get to know the lay of the land, both within your immediate work environment and the University as a whole. Take advantage of the many opportunities to network with fellow members of the Northwestern community; building relationships is key. Here are some of the first steps most University employees need to take to get started.
Forms
Below are forms to bring with you on your first day, and additional steps you'll need to review and complete prior to your arrival on campus.
- Personal Data Form
- Federal & State Tax Forms
- I-9 (complete section 1) - Complete Section 1 of the employment verification by going to the I-9 Service Center and following the instructions for new employees. Remember to bring acceptable documentation with you on your first day to complete section 2.
For foreign nationals
- Contact the International Office at (847) 491-5613.
- Contact Payroll office to register to use the Foreign National Information System:
- Evanston Payroll Office: (847) 491-7362
- Chicago Payroll Office: (312) 503-9700.
- Relocation Resources are offered through Work/Life & Family Resources, a division of the Office of Human Resources of Northwestern University.
Your first day with Northwestern will start at the Human Resources office, followed by getting to know your new workplace. More information on items such as parking, transit, and obtaining a WildCARD can be found below. Download Onboarding Checklist of recommended steps for a new employee and their manager.
Payroll forms
Visit the HR Talent Acquisition Office to submit HR Payroll Forms and complete section 2 of I9 E-Verify.
- The following timeslots are available for onboarding: 9am or 11am.
- Human Resources is located at the following locations:
- Evanston HR Talent Acquisition Office: 1801 Maple Avenue, 6th Floor, Evanston, IL
- Chicago HR Talent Acquisition Office: 710 North Lake Shore Drive, Suite 150, Chicago, IL
Identity cards and accounts
- Activate your NetID (your electronic identity at Northwestern)
- Obtain a WildCARD. Your employee ID number and a photo ID are required.
Parking and transit
- If interested in a monthly parking permit, please visit the parking website for more information.
- Campus Maps for Evanston & Chicago
New Employee Orientation
Watch the New Employee Orientation Part 1: Online Module. This is the best way for newcomers to Northwestern to get to know the University.
As you settle in to your new position, please take the time to attend a benefits orientation session and complete your remaining online forms and training sessions.
Orientations and training
- Complete New Employee Orientation Part 1: Online
- Attend the New Hire Benefits Orientation and Enroll in employee benefit plans within 31 days of your start date.
- Review the Staff Handbook, then access myHR and select “Attestations” to acknowledge receipt of the Staff Handbook.
- Review the Policy on Reporting Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect, then access myHR and select “Attestations” to acknowledge your status as a mandated reporter.
- Review the Conflict of Interest policy. Faculty and Staff are required to disclose at least annually.
- Complete the online course Preventing Sexual Misconduct and Sex Discrimination. (Registration is automatically generated and sent via email.)
Familiarize yourself with the University
- Familiarize yourself with the pay date schedule
- Arrange a campus tour (optional).
Training and development
- Attend New Employee Orientation, Part 2 (registration required) two to four months after hiring and after attending NEO Part 1.
- Sign up for workshops and other learning opportunities. Determine which University Business Processes workshops are right for your role, which software systems you’ll be using, and if your department or position requires any additional training. All employees are encouraged to take the Introduction to University Business Processes online module.
- Northwestern University and Lynda.com have partnered to offer University students, faculty and staff unlimited, on-demand access to a full library of online courses at no additional cost.
Northwestern community
- Visit Northwestern Public Events Calendar to fine happenings on campus.
- To enhance your Northwestern experience, familiarize yourself and engage with Northwestern’s Staff Affinity Groups.
- The Northwestern University Staff Advisory Council (NUSAC) serves as an advisory voice and change-agent for Northwestern staff in matters relating to community development, professional opportunities and workplace concerns.