Getting Started: New Employee Information

Before Your First Day

Prior to your start date, please take a few moments to review the New Employee Information Sheet. This document provides a checklist of time-sensitive tasks and requirements that must be completed within your first week of employment. Completing these items early will help ensure you can:

• Access campus systems and technology
• Set up your email and required credentials
• Review essential policies and procedures
• Complete mandatory forms and onboarding documents
• Prepare for benefits enrollment (if applicable)

We strongly recommend reviewing this information thoroughly so you can start your first day with confidence and ease.

New Hire Orientation: Your First Month

Within your first month of hire, you will be required to attend New Hire Orientation, an important onboarding milestone for new TCNJ employees. Orientation provides an introduction to the College’s culture, mission, values, and the many resources available to support you in your role.

Key details:

• Attendance is mandatory for eligible new employees
• Orientation is held monthly and facilitated by the Office of Human Resources
• Once your TCNJ email is activated, you will receive a Google Calendar invitation with the date, time, and location of your assigned session
• Orientation includes an overview of campus services, employee benefits, safety and compliance information, and opportunities to ask questions
• To confirm whether you are required to attend and to view the full orientation schedule, please visit the New Hire Orientation module.

We’re Here to Help

Starting a new job comes with many questions – we encourage you to explore the resources available on this site and reach out to your HR recruiter if you need assistance. We are excited to have you join the TCNJ community and look forward to supporting you throughout your onboarding experience.

New Hire Orientation

New Hire Orientation is a key component of your onboarding experience at The College of New Jersey. This program is designed to introduce new employees to the College’s mission, values, resources, and community expectations. It is also an opportunity to meet fellow new hires, learn about important campus services, and prepare for a smooth and successful transition into your new role.

Orientation is hosted by the Office of Human Resources on the second Tuesday of every month. Sessions take place in the Administrative Services Building, Training Conference Room 103, and run from 9:00 AM until approximately 12:30 PM. The program includes a combination of presentations, campus information, introductions from campus partners, and time for questions and discussion.

For planning purposes, you may review orientation dates through HR’s Calendar of Events or download the New Hire Orientation schedule directly from this page. If you have questions regarding orientation requirements or attendance, please reach out to the Office of Human Resources through the HR Portal.

Attendance Requirements: Orientation attendance varies based on employment category:

All new full-time staff must attend New Hire Orientation within their first month of employment. Attendance ensures that all new employees receive consistent information about policies, benefits, compliance, and campus resources.

Temporary salaried employees who are appointed for more than three months may attend if their manager determines attendance is beneficial. Participation can help temporary staff become better oriented to TCNJ’s systems and expectations.

Not Required

• Adjunct Faculty
• Full-Time Faculty
• Hourly Temporary Employees

While attendance is not required for these groups, many topics covered during orientation are accessible through online modules and resource links on the onboarding website.

What You Will Learn During Orientation

New Hire Orientation provides a comprehensive overview of what it means to work at TCNJ. Topics typically include:

• Welcome from Human Resources: Overview of HR services and support resources
• Compliance, Privacy & Ethics: Key policies, reporting expectations, and institutional standards
• Information Technology Resources: Account setup, security requirements, and digital tools
• Title IX & Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): Rights, responsibilities, and support contacts
• Fun Facts About TCNJ: Insight into campus culture, history, and traditions
• Campus Police & Public Safety: Emergency procedures, campus safety systems, and staff services
• Payroll Resources: Timesheet instructions, payroll cycles, and important deadlines
• Employee Benefits & Wellness Overview: Health benefits, leave information, retirement plans, and employee wellness programs

Unionized employees will also have the opportunity to meet with a representative from their bargaining unit immediately following the orientation session.

Policies & Procedures Acknowledgement

Upon signing in to your orientation session, you will receive a link to complete the TCNJ Policies and Procedures Acknowledgement Form. Submission of this form confirms that you have reviewed and understand key institutional policies. Please complete this form promptly after receiving the link.

Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Training

(Required for Applicable Employees Only)

Certain roles may require specialized Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) training based on your job duties and work environment. This training ensures employees understand how to work safely and in compliance with regulatory standards. 

If your position requires EHS training: Visit https://ehs.tcnj.edu/training-and-presentations/ to review available sessions. Register for the training(s) relevant to your job responsibilities. A member of the Office of Environmental Health and Safety will reach out to discuss your specific training requirements, timelines, and next steps.