Welcome to Worklife

The first day at a new job can be a little stressful for anyone. Prepare yourself so that you can calm those nerves and have a great day.

First Day Checklist and Forms

New Hire Forms:

Direct Deposit Form
Federal / State Withholding W4 - Withholding Exemption
Employment Reference Form (Complete and submit for at least 2 previous employers if applicable)
CSU Policy Acknowledgement

Documents to bring on your first day:

Two forms of Identification to complete your I-9 form
Bring your original or a copy of your signed offer letter
Voided check for direct deposit
Birth Certificate and Social Security card of dependants if you plan to enroll them in benefits
Marriage Certificate and Social Security number of spouse if you plan to enroll them in benefits
Official transcripts (sealed) or please arrange for them to be sent to the Office of Human Resources
Write your new manager’s first and last name down for reference
Write down your department and work location for reference

First Week

Your first week of work may be challenging, frustrating, chaotic, and even enjoyable. Take the time to do the following to set the foundation for success.

1. Ask to meet with your supervisor: Set up a time to meet with your supervisor to review and discuss:

the Chicago State University Policies and Regulations. Click here.
your job description and expected work schedule
your department’s goals and mission
performance goals and expectations
training needed and key people to meet
professional ethics and confidentiality practices

2. Orient yourself to your department

Seek out information to learn more about your department (goals, missions, organizational structure, administrative and operations procedures, manuals, protocols) by initiating conversations with your supervisor and colleagues and by reviewing any orientation materials provided in your area.

3. Benefits Enrollment

You must enroll in benefits promptly to make sure that your coverage begins as soon as you are eligible. If you miss the enrollment deadline, you will be automatically enrolled in a Quality Care Health Care plan. Your next opportunity to change coverage will be if you have a Qualifying Status Change event, or the next annual benefits choice period.

First 3 to 6 months

The first 6 months are critical to your success. This is your transition period. Recognize there will some challenges:

Acquiring needed knowledge quickly
Establishing new working relationships
Dealing with both organizational and interpersonal transition issues
Managing expectations
Maintaining a personal balance

Consider these tips to aid in the success of your transition

Meet with others to determine how your work is related or affected by their work and vice versa
Go to lunch with coworkers and get to know them
Schedule a meeting with your supervisor to discuss performance to date
Clarify and seek to understand expectations for your role
Be open to coaching and feedback
Create and discuss a development plan

First 6 Months - Years

You should have a good grasp of your duties and responsibilities. Things should be easier, but you still may have questions and you still have things to learn. Remember, if you find yourself struggling or things seem to be going great:

Regularly meet with your supervisor to set goals, review your performance and continue to seek his/her feedback
Identify learning and professional development opportunities.
Get involved with the campus community: Look into campus groups, publications and other professional activities and resources that are available that might be of interest to you.