New Staff Checklist

Working at FAS

This checklist is designed to help you keep track of the activities that need to take place during the first two months of your employment with the FAS. We hope that these activities will not only make you feel welcomed and comfortable, but also well-equipped to carry out the duties of your new job.

Before you begin work at the FAS, you should...

  • Review your offer letter.
  • Verify your employment eligibility. Connect with your department administrator or manager to verify your employment eligibility if necessary. Review Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification in advance for instructions and to learn what documentation will be sufficient to verify your eligibility.
  • Prepare your tax withholding and direct deposit information. Once you obtain access to PeopleSoft after your first or second day of work, you will need to update your tax withholding and any direct deposit information online. Gather your banking information and think about your tax withholding so that you are ready to make these updates during your first week.  Review instructions for updating tax withholding and direct deposit online.
  • Identify your transportation options and plan your commute. Harvard Campus Services’ CommuterChoice provides commuting information and planning services, including an online calculator to compare the relative costs of your transportation options.

On your first day at the FAS, you should...

  • Complete your Form I-9 to verify your employment eligibility, if you have not already done so. 
  • Request your Harvard University ID number (HUID) from your Department Administrator or Manager.
  • If your HUID number is ready, visit the Harvard ID office at the Smith Campus Center, Room 807, 8th floor, to obtain an ID Card.
  • Establish your HarvardKey, which you will need to access many of Harvard’s online applications.
  • Update your tax withholding and direct deposit online in PeopleSoft.
  • Discuss computer, email, calendaring, and phone access policies and procedures.
  • Ask your manager about what building, office, and desk keys you might require.

During your first week at the FAS, you should...

  • Register for Harvard-wide New Employee Orientation.  This required orientation introduces new employees to Harvard's structure, culture, and opportunities to be found here.  Employees learn about the benefits and services that Harvard offers, and have plenty of time to ask questions.  At most sessions, a representative from the Harvard Union of Clerical and Technical Workers (HUCTW) will offer a brief overview as well.  Review the orientation schedule and registration instructions.
  • Take the Getting Started at FAS self-paced course via the Harvard Training Portal.
  • Meet appropriate department colleagues and other FAS colleagues.
  • Review job responsibilities, competencies, and expectations with your manager.
  • Sign up for an MBTA or parking pass if appropriate.
  • Complete the FAS Information Security Learning Module and sign the online confidentiality agreement (through the self-service option in PeopleSoft).
  • Enroll in the MessageMe service, which will enable you to receive text messages in the event of campus emergencies.
  • Register for PeopleSoft Absence and Time Reporting training.
  • Familiarize yourself with University policies and procedures (with the help of your department administrator and/or manager) including those relating to:
    • Attendance and tardiness, vacation and sick leave (if applicable)
    • Dress code
    • Work hours
    • Office supplies
    • Phone etiquette and email usage
    • Performance reviews, as well as performance goals and expectations

During your first month at the FAS, you should...

  • Schedule weekly or monthly meetings with your manager.
  • Review and clarify performance objectives and expectations after the first month.
  • Review your travel and reimbursement procedures (if applicable).
  • Complete your benefits enrollment as soon as possible if you are eligible for benefits. You have 30 days from your date of hire to enroll in medical, dental, life and disability coverage. You can enroll online via PeopleSoft. You should receive an enrollment guide in your new employee packet mailed to your home address with important information about all your benefit choices. To learn more about using PeopleSoft Self Service to enroll in your benefits, visit the Harvard Training Portal, which has helpful instructions on making changes and viewing your information.