New Staff Checklist

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 Your First Day of Work at the FAS

  • 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.
  • Talk with your manager about your first week.  Communication is critical during your first days and weeks.  You can get started on this key practice by contacting your manager to confirm when, where, and to whom to report to on your first day.
  • Find out when you may expect to receive your first paycheck.  Most FAS administrative and support staff are paid on a bi-weekly schedule.  View a payroll calendar.
  • 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.

During Your First Week at the FAS

  • Complete your I-9 form to verify your employment eligibility, if you have not already done so. 
  • Request your HUID number from your Department Administrator or Manager. Visit the Harvard ID Office at the Smith Campus Service Center, Room 807, with a government-issued photo ID, to request to have your photo taken and an ID card generated.
  • Once you know your HUID you can claim your HarvardKey, which you will need to access many of Harvard’s online applications. Click on the ‘Claim your HarvardKey’ link and follow the prompts..
  • Update your personal information, emergency contact, 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.
  • Review job responsibilities, competencies, and expectations with your manager.
  • Complete the FAS Information Security Learning Module and sign the online confidentiality agreement (through the self-service option in PeopleSoft).
  • Familiarize yourself with University policies and procedures with the help of your department administrator and/or manager.

During Your First Month at the FAS

  • 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.