New Employees

Congratulations on your new position! We’re excited that you’re joining the University, and will have the opportunity to bring your talent, skills and creativity to the engaging and important work we do here.

Your first few months at the University are a time when you will be getting to know your job, your department and how the University works. It’s also an important time to learn about and enroll in your benefits, discover the learning and educational opportunities available to you, and become familiar with the unique package of other perks and rewards that a world-class University can provide.

The University’s New Employee Welcome & Orientation program is a great first step along with local orientations and meeting with your local human resources (HR) department and manager. After receiving confirmation of your new position, you can use the links on the right to sign up for an upcoming online Orientation session that is on or after your start date (check with your manager or local HR office to co-ordinate time to attend the session to avoid any conflicts).  

We encourage you to keep exploring and learning throughout your first year here, including getting to know the campus and meeting people. The information on this site and the related links on the right can serve as a guide. Welcome to Harvard!

  • Before you get here:
    • Register for a New Employee Welcome & Orientation session on or after the start date listed in your job offer letter. 
    • Watch the Harvard Benefits Highlight videos to help with your Benefits selections.
  • First day logistics:
    • Consult with your new manager and/or local HR office to see what paperwork you will need to bring on your first day as well as transportation questions.

New Employee Welcome & Orientation

New Employee Welcome & Orientation is open to all employees and provides you with an overview of your benefits and introduces you to the structure and culture of the University. The program also includes information about a variety of employee resources and perks and gives you a chance to ask questions. You are encouraged to watch the Harvard Benefits Highlight videos before attending.  Note that this session is the general University-wide orientation and there may be an additional orientation session for your specific school or unit.

Where: Online via Zoom. Register for a session through the link on this page. Once registered, you will be sent a link to the session.  A few days before your session you will also be sent a reminder with additional information. 

When: Every other Monday, 9:30–11:00am ET. See the sidebar for specific dates.

Accessibility Accommodations: If you are a participant who would like to request any special accommodations, please contact us at training@harvard.edu or 617-495-4895 prior to your session date.

If you have questions about Orientation or have trouble using the registration links, please contact training@harvard.edu