#  New Hire Checklist 

 



 ##  

  expand\_more  

 
  

 

       ![Woman smiling and shaking hands with her manager](/sites/g/files/omnuum6281/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2025-10/NewHireChecklist2-sm.jpg?itok=cpBrqNDg) 

 

 



 

 



##  What do I need to do at least two weeks before my start date? 

- Payroll paperwork meeting: Please plan to meet in person or virtually with Central Payroll at least two weeks prior to your start date to validate your I-9 documents. You must bring current valid identity information as listed on the official [USCIS site](https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents).
- Email your new manager to obtain details of your first day, where to meet, etc.
- Please go to the [New Employee page](/new-employees "New Employees") and set up your [Harvard New Employee Orientation date](https://harvard.zoom.us/meeting/register/Lupdcdg8TGKG5buSwvwC-A#/registration).



 

##  What should I do during the first week? 

**Note: Many of these links won’t work until on or after your first day**

- Obtain HUID card at [ID Card Services](https://www.campusservicecenter.harvard.edu/id-cards/obtain) (8th floor, Smith Campus Center).
- Claim your [HarvardKey](https://key.harvard.edu/) to set up your new Harvard email.
- Visit [New Employee Resources](/new-employees "New Employees") and HARVie to review [University Policies](https://harvie.harvard.edu/university-policies) (HarvardKey required).
- Review [Benefits package](/benefits-wellbeing "Benefits & Wellbeing") and [enroll via PeopleSoft](https://peoplesoft.harvard.edu/) (HarvardKey required) within 30 days from your start date. Harvard Benefits will mail the package to home address in first week.
- In [PeopleSoft](https://peoplesoft.harvard.edu/) (HarvardKey required):
    - Sign up for Direct Deposit by selecting: Self Service tile > Payroll & Compensation > Direct Deposit.
    - Update Personal Details by selecting: Self-Service > My Personal Details tile.
    - Review and accept Confidentiality Agreement by selecting: Self-Service > My Preferences and Agreements tile > Confidentiality Agreement.
    - Complete your Federal Tax Form – W4 – online in the Self-Service section.
- Electronically sign off on [Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)](https://harvie.harvard.edu/ma-pfml) (HarvardKey required) document by responding to an automated email received on first day.
- Identify commuting options via [Commuter Choice](http://www.commuterchoice.harvard.edu/) or [Parking Services](https://transportation.harvard.edu/parking).
- Review [Harvard's Information Security Policy](https://policy.security.harvard.edu/) and read the Policy Statements, Requirements, and How To’s.
- Enroll in [MessageMe Emergency Notification System](https://messageme.harvard.edu/).
- Familiarize yourself with the [HU Police Department site](https://www.hupd.harvard.edu/safety-security).
- Meet with your manager. This will be a great chance to discuss performance goals and recurring meetings and to learn about your team's needs. Review and sign your Job Description.
- Discuss with your manager any training, [Center for Workplace Development (CWD) courses](/learning-development "Learning & Development"), or courses recommended for your role.
- Review [Retirement Programs](/retirement-programs "Retirement Programs") and enroll in a Tax-Deferred Account for retirement savings (OPTIONAL).
- Complete the [New Employee Orientation course in the Harvard Training Portal](https://trainingportal.harvard.edu/Saba/Web_spf/NA1PRD0068/common/ledetail/cours000000000050802), once your Harvard Key has been established — usually on your first day.



 

##  Where can I find helpful resources? 

- [Benefits Office](/node/240426) - 617-496-4001, <benefits@harvard.edu>
- Central Payroll - 617-495-8500
- UIS Help Desk (computer, email, systems-related problems) - 617-495-7777
- [Harvard's Employee Assistance Program](https://harvie.harvard.edu/employee-assistance-program) (HarvardKey required)
- [Harvard University Intranet (HARVie)](https://harvie.harvard.edu/) (HarvardKey required)
- [Harvard University Overview](http://www.harvard.edu/about)
- [University Health Services](https://huhs.harvard.edu/)
- [Ombuds](https://harvardombuds.harvard.edu/)
- [Outings and Innings](https://outingsandinnings.harvard.edu/) (HarvardKey required)