Your First Days, Weeks, and Months

We understand that the first days, weeks, and months of employment are filled with excitement, a wealth of information, and many questions. Your supervisor and Human Resources are here to provide you with the help and support needed for success in your new role.

First Day Information

Your manager or human resources representative will contact you to confirm your start date, time, and location; where to park; dress code; and other information you need for your first day.

Remember to bring appropriate identification so that you can complete the federal I-9 employment verification process. See below for more information on the I-9 form.

Create your NetID and complete Duo 2-factor authentication

As an employee of Florida Poly, you will be assigned an ID number.

Once this ID is created, you can setup your NetID. This is a unique identifier that belongs to you and you only. Your NetID and password grants you access to Workday, Canvas, Office365, and more.

Duo 2-factor authentication is an additional security measure used by Florida Poly to verify your identity prior to logging you into systems and other university sites.

New hire forms

Once you have a NetID, you can complete your direct deposit form before your hire date. Visit Workday to complete your online direct deposit information. All employees are required to enroll for direct deposit as part of the new hire process. Additional information about Florida Poly's payroll schedule is available online.

All employees must complete the federal I-9 employment verification process, which verifies your eligibility to work in the United States. Please visit this page, select the “Payroll” tab and click on “I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification” to access the form. You may complete Section 1 of the form prior to your start date. You will complete the rest of the form on your first day in your new job. Remember to bring one of the required forms of identification to complete the form.

You will need to complete a federal and state tax withholding form.

New Employee Orientation

Human Resources will contact your department to schedule a date for you to attend New Employee Orientation.

All new employees should attend orientation within 30 days of their hire date. Orientation is held on the main campus.

On the day of your orientation, please bring the following information with you to complete your health insurance enrollment paperwork:

A copy of your VISA and supporting documentation, if applicable.
Dates of birth and Social Security numbers for dependents you are adding to health insurance OR copy of dependent’s VISAs if they do not have Social Security numbers.
Proof of eligibility on all dependents you plan to cover under the health insurance. Dependents cannot be added without these documents. Here is a list of documents that provide proof of eligibility .
If you are a person with a disability and need accommodations for orientation, please notify your new supervisor.

Work environment and job information

Your manager will meet with you on your first day and provide the following information if they have not already done so:

Review your job description, outline of duties, and expectations. Ask how your job fits in the department, and how your job and department contribute to the department and the university. Discuss expectations for the current evaluation period.
Hours of work; ask questions about policies and procedures for overtime, use of vacation and sick time, holidays, and breaks.
Overview of functional area including organizational structure and goals.
Your manager or a designee will give you a tour of your department and introduce you to other team members. They will also give you a tour of your building/work area to show you entrances and exits, break rooms, rest rooms, supply storage, location of incoming and outgoing mail, etc.
You will need to get your Florida Poly ID card on or soon after your hire date. This is a photo ID with your employee number that is used for a variety of campus needs.

Parking permits

All employees working on main campus are required to register their vehicle and purchase a parking permit. Florida Poly South employees planning to visit main campus must purchase a Florida Poly South parking permit, which is different than the Polk State permit. For additional information visit Parking and Transportation Services to review permit options and create a parking profile.

University communications

Sign up for Florida Poly Alerts, the university's emergency notification system. When a situation arises in which the university determines that immediate action is required on the part of students, employees, and others, a Florida Poly Alert is issued.

All employees with a Florida Poly email address are automatically registered to receive the Weekly Phoenix email soon after their hire date. The enewsletter is published every Wednesday by University Relations. Electronic delivery of information via email is the primary vehicle for internal communications at Florida Poly.

Important policies, notices, and handbooks

Please take time to review the following information. All employees will sign an acknowledgment regarding these policies, notices, and handbooks during New Employee Orientation.

As you continue to develop in your new role, learn about the university, build relationships, and ensure you’ve met your deadlines for benefits enrollment. Sign up, as needed, for professional training, and explore the community.

Taking time off

Talk with your supervisor about how they would like you to handle requesting time off (verbally or in writing ) and when time off may not be requested (i.e., while school is in session, end of fiscal year, length of leave period allowed).

Talk with your supervisor about how they would like you to handle calling out sick, including whether you will need a doctor’s excuse to return to work.

Familiarize yourself with the university holidays and authorized closings.

Learn how to report your leave each pay period.

Professional development

Learn about any required or developmental training programs, seminars, or conferences. Both on and off-site opportunities are available.

Work schedule

Learn about your department’s policy on flexible work options.

In your first three months, you should become fully aware of your role and responsibilities, begin to act independently and produce meaningful work.

Work policies

Make sure you understand that all employees have a 12-month probationary period with evaluations at six and 12 months. Prior to the six-month evaluation, probationary employees are ineligible to apply for other jobs at Florida Poly except within their home department.

Required training for new employees

Within 90 calendar days of your start date, all new employees must complete the mandatory compliance workshop either online or in-person. This workshop covers the university's policy on discrimination and harassment and Florida Poly's responsibilities related to Title IX and the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.

As you gain momentum in your work and take the lead on some initiatives, this is a great time to assess what you have done well and what you could have done differently in your first six months. As your work moves forward, continue to develop relationships with peers as go-to partners.

Work responsibilities

Prepare for your six month performance evaluation. Prior to this evaluation, probationary employees are ineligible to apply for other jobs at Florida Poly (except within their home department).

At this point, you should feel fully engaged in your new role. You are able to use your skills and knowledge, make sound decisions, contribute to team goals, and understand how your assignments affect others in the organization. You’ve developed effective working relationships and have a strong understanding of Florida Poly’s mission and culture.

Work policies

Prepare for your 12 months performance evaluation.

Take time to learn about the grievance procedure that is available to you once your probationary period is complete.

Your First Days, Weeks, and Months

Before You Start

Your First Month

Your First Three Months

Your First Six Months

Your First Year