On Your First Day
Initial stages
There are several pieces of information that you will want to access in your first days of employment with WSU Extension. This welcome is part of the orientation process at WSU. While we can provide information on web pages, each new employee joins us with a variety of experiences and has differing needs.
Other parts of the orientation process include an on-campus visit to discuss benefits and meet key personnel. Your direct supervisor will assist you in scheduling this piece of orientation. If you cannot attend the WSU Pullman benefits orientation you can attend this at one of the urban campuses (WSU Spokane, WSU Vancouver or WSU Tri-Cities) or on line through WSU Human Resource Services.
Each August WSU Extension and the College of Agriculture, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) host a week long in-depth orientation that you will want to attend. Talk to your direct supervisor about attending this orientation.
Your direct supervisor, your academic department chair, district director or county director is one of the best sources of information about your new position. Follow this link to a check list of information that you will need to know in the first months of your employment. Additionally, your supervisor can access a corresponding check list that will help you succeed with WSU Extension.
Understanding WSU Extension’s Future
As you begin your career with WSU Extension, a good place to start is in discovering the answer to the question, “What is WSU Extension and its relationship to the University’s overall mission? (for yourself by reviewing the WSU Extension’s Mission and Vision.)
All work of WSU Extension is covered as part of our strategic goals and strategic initiatives. Please review this document and discover how you and your program fit into the long term plan for WSU Extension.
Issues to be addressed on your first day
Please take time on your first day to learn office procedures regarding the following topics.
Safety and security:
- Obtain keys for your office;
- Phone numbers (including emergency numbers) – get a list of important phone numbers within your office structure;
- Learn about the parking arrangements, space, lighting;
- Ask about building information, scheduling, and security systems and security codes;
- Become acquainted with coworkers and key individuals within the office and the areas of expertise of each person on staff, secure a list of their telephone numbers and functions/responsibilities.
Tour work facility to locate:
- Personal work space (location of desk and files);
- Meeting rooms;
- Workroom;
- Mailroom;
- Restrooms;
- Vending machines;
- Break room;
- Emergency exits.
Explore office procedures regarding equipment, supplies and materials:
- Office and audio-visual equipment and manuals;
- Equipment operations;
- Location of stored materials/supplies;
- Telephone system and fax procedures, usage, and etiquette (how to answer phone calls and take messages);
- Ask about phone credit cards and if it would be appropriate for you to have one to complete your position responsibilities.
Ask about work hour policies:
- Office hours;
- Work hours;
- Time documentation;
- Flex time;
- Meal arrangements, breaks, and etc.
Obtain a scheduling/calendar system to track important activities, events and deadlines. WSU Extension uses Microsoft Outlook as an electronic calendar system. Your county may use a different system. Find out what your office uses and become familiar with the functions.
Obtain University/Extension calendar with important events and holidays. Review the calendar of WSU Extension programs with the office staff to determine events which will involve you and when and where the next staff meeting will be conducted. Mark your calendar with dates, times and locations of all upcoming appointments as well as the new personnel orientation.
Office policies, norms, and expectations
In the first week ask your supervisor about the following:
- Assess expectations of professionalism associated with position, discuss professional associations and professional image (appearance, behavior, attitude, and office relations);
- Program responsibilities;
- Review factors related to probationary period (performance and salary issues);
- Collect information needed to participate in necessary WSU Extension training opportunities;
- Inquire about other procedures unique to your office of which you should be aware.
Resource info:
Important Links for New Employees
New Employee Checklist (pdf)
Required Training:
Preventing Sexual Harassment - an Online Training
Orientation:
WSU Extension and CAHNRS New Faculty and AP Orientation Presentations
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