HR’s onboarding model presented in national webinar

CU Boulder’s yearlong new hire onboarding program sponsored by the Department of Human Resources has been garnering nationwide attention among institutions of higher education for its innovative, comprehensive model. Recently, Chrissy Harrison, Onboarding Manager was invited to facilitate a national webinar through the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR). CUPA-HR reported that roughly 1,000 attendees logged-in to attend the live session. The presentation, titled Onboarding: A Strategic Partner Model for Bringing About Cultural Change, is currently available on-demand and open for public viewing.  

 

A comprehensive onboarding model includes programs, resources and guides not only for new hires, but also for their supervisors, managers, department chairs, principal investigators and HR liaisons. One highlight of the program is the New Employee Welcome Experience (NEW-X), a full-day orientation to campus with walking and bus tours. CU Boulder’s model is research-based, and considers onboarding to be a process that spans the first year. The purpose of the model is to move newcomers to higher levels of productivity faster. Other outcomes include increased retention, engagement and commitment. The program was launched in Fall 2016.  Over 900 new hires have attended NEW-X since its launch.  

The newest component to the comprehensive onboarding program launching this summer is the HR QuickStart Center. This center is a “one-stop-shop" for new, permanent, benefits-eligible hires to attend on their first day of work. The center provides instructional content on how to use the MyCUInfo portal, Skill Soft for required training, leave overview as well as a benefits orientation from Employee Services (CU System office in Denver.) New hires also obtain their Buff OneCard, complete their I-9 employment verification, purchase a parking permit and complete required trainings through the Skill Soft system. Spending day one in the QuickStart Center guarantees new hires start their employment experience equipped with the basics  and ready to hit the ground. 

To view the campus onboarding resources and guides, visit the Department of Human Resources Onboarding webpage. If your department would like to participate in the QuickStart Center, please contact Chrissy Harrison at 303-492-2254.

 

The Department of Human Resources (HR) creates success through others as we all strive to achieve the goals and fulfill the mission of CU Boulder. HR contribute leadership, ideas, and services that allow each person – whether an individual contributor or manager; a member of the faculty or staff – to do what they do…better. Visit https://www.colorado.edu/hr to learn more about HR.