There will be a lot to learn when you start your career here at University of Western States (UWS). Below are suggested “to-dos” for your first day, your first week and your first month of employment. Many of these may already be a part of an onboarding plan developed by human resources and your supervisor. If you have questions, make sure to check with your supervisor.
Before You Start: Get Ready for Day One at UWS!
Congratulations on joining the UWS community! As you get ready for your first day, remember that all new faculty and staff must complete the I-9 form and provide the needed original documents on or before the first day of work for pay. You will receive information of this requirement in the written offer for your position. This government web page shows what documents you may need to bring to your first day of work. The federal government requires original documents; photocopies cannot be accepted for the I-9.
If you have any questions, contact the office of human resources at hr@test.uws.edu or 971-449-9236.
Employee Conversation Guide
It’s hard to know what to ask about and to know what you don’t know. This guide provides questions you can use with your new supervisor and team members.
First Day Schedule
Here is what you will be doing on your first day of employment at UWS.
- Meet with the human resources department to complete employment forms including the I-9
- Provide employee identification
- Verify parking information
- Review benefit options
- Meet with your supervisor/team
- Campus tour
Benefits
As a new employee of UWS, you may be eligible for certain benefits at group rates. UWS pays a portion of the monthly costs of the benefits you choose to enroll in and you may pay a portion as well. In addition, the university pays for the entire cost of a life insurance policy on your behalf.
UWS benefits include:
- Medical
,pharmacy, vision and dental - Life insurance
- Flexible Spending Account (medical and dependent care)
- Health Savings Account (medical)
- Commuter Spending Account
- Long Term Disability coverage and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (ADD)
- Short Term Disability coverage
- Employee assistance program
- Retirement Savings Plan
Paid Time Off Benefits
UWS recognizes the benefits of time off from work. Employees working at least 18.75 hours per week are eligible to accrue vacation and sick time. Each employee receives two wellness days per year in addition. Employees working less than 18.75 hours per week are provided leave hours in accordance with the Oregon paid sick leave law.
Additional Benefits
Campus Health Center
Members of the UWS faculty, staff and students are eligible to receive health care services in our Campus Health Center (CHC). Most of the services are provided at no charge, while others are offered at a substantially reduced fee and may be covered by insurance. These benefits are extended to many of your family members as well. Appointments can be made by calling 971-449-9277.
Employee Engagement Committee (EEC)
The Employee Engagement Committee (EEC) serves as an advisory group comprised of staff, faculty and student advisors, representing a range of disciplines, backgrounds and perspectives. The aim of EEC is to focus on communal cohesion by providing social outlets among employees to foster personal connections and facilitate employee engagement, commitment and retention. EEC provides opportunities for collaboration among university departments in the planning of campus activities such as trainings, celebrations, events and health-related activities. EEC strives to create a culture of inclusivity that embraces and celebrates the diversity of its employees. UWS values a learning environment in which students and employees are empowered through multicultural perspectives.
UWS strives to promote a welcoming environment that fosters inclusiveness and equal opportunity for all. To this end, EEC meets regularly to:
• Provide opportunities for social and professional connections among employees.
• Plan and execute campus activities to facilitate communication and collaboration among employees and departments.
• Cultivate an inclusive and welcoming campus climate by providing leadership and communicating a commitment to inclusivity and equity. EEC may create ad hoc work groups to review and evaluate issues, work on special assignments or initiatives and create recommendations for the committee or the administration to consider.
Employee Discount Program
UWS partners with several vendors in the area to provide an employee discount program. All discounts offered are individual by the respective vendors. The human resource department can provide a current list of vendors.
Fitness Center
The university has an on-site fitness center which includes changing rooms and showers. This facility is used by faculty, staff and students. It includes a variety of cardio and strength building equipment. There is no cost to use the fitness center.
Diversity and Inclusion Mission Statement
University of Western States strives to create a culture of inclusivity that embraces and celebrates the diversity of its faculty, staff and students. Through this, UWS is committed to building a community that reflects the diversity our students will encounter in their professional lives. UWS values a learning environment in which students and employees are empowered through multicultural perspectives that lead to a culturally competent health care workforce, and where employees feel valued and enriched through their differences. UWS is committed to recruiting and retaining employees and students from demographics that are underrepresented in both higher education and health care settings by creating and promoting a welcoming environment that fosters inclusiveness and equal opportunity for all.
